Every change of mind is first of all
a change of heart.

— The Dalai Lama

Greetings, Inspired Seekers!

When I last wrote you I was on my way to a week-long Mindfulness retreat. It was a time of deep reflection, self-examination and blossoming. But since returning home, I am plagued by the question: What do you practice? For one of the realizations that came to me is that it does not matter what we believe. It matters deeply what we practice.

The whole idea of Zen Buddhism is the idea of Inter-being. The idea that we are all connected to each other and to the world around us. In his recent visit to the United States, Pope Francis sent the same message.

Why do we struggle with this? Why do we cling to our separateness, our tribes, our denominations, when, I believe, if we can seek the larger Truth and let go of the smaller ones that diminish us, we could be, well, bigger? Fuller?

We all laugh. We all grieve. We all suffer. And we can do all of these in our own little worlds. Believing that we are unique and special. Separate. Or, we can admit our connection to the greater world and to humanity and recognize that we are one.

When one hurts, we all hurt. When one feels joy, we can all feel joy. The choice is up to us. What do we choose to practice? Connection or disconnection? Humility or superiority? Love or fear? Neither Jesus nor Buddha taught those.

So, the question remains: What do you practice?

Grace-Fully Yours,
Reverend Deborah

Monthly Affirmation:

Through Spiritual Coaching, the Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington helps individuals find their path, stand in their truth and experience the Oneness of the world. If you would like to explore spiritual direction, call her at 215 260 1611 or email her at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com.