Not religiosity but the deeply held belief that we are inextricably connected to one another by a force greater than ourselves…

— Brené Brown

Greetings, Inspired Traveler!

It is not often that I write of personal experiences in this letter but, perhaps, that is about to change. The older I become, the more I realize that our spirituality and Divinity is rooted in our humanity (or maybe it is the reverse!) and the experiences that shape our lives.

If we look at two of the world's major faith traditions, we see that clearly. Both The Buddha and Jesus had life changing sacred experiences that altered everything for them. One, sitting under the Bodhi tree and one at a Jordan River baptism, life transformation happened.

Many of us have had experiences with similar, although not quite as dramatic, effect – we were transformed not by something we were told but, rather, by an inner experience of the soul.

Recently, I had the privilege of officiating a wedding vow renewal ceremony for a couple. Their beautiful children, along with the other guests, laughed and smiled joyously, while enjoying the bubbles I had brought for the occasion.

Bubbles floated upon the couple as they renewed their vows. Promises, carried on the wind in opalescent orbs, whispered on the breath of children, filled the garden. My soul delighted in the whimsy, the delicacy and the fun of it all. The freedom from rules, the absence of do's and don't's, the pure joy of the moment, all contributed to the sacred holding space for love that encircled us all.

We all have the capacity to live like this. We all have the ability to disconnect from “should” and allow the transformation of joy to change us. We do not require dogma or doctrine to align us with The Holy One. We simply need to fall into the grace of joy and, being fully present, float along with the bubbles. Happy September!

Grace, Always Yours,
Reverend Deborah

Question of the Month: How will you welcome transformation that appears in your life?

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington serves people through rites of passage with sacred celebrations personally tailored to their beliefs. She can be reached at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com or at 215 260 1611.