Every breath we take, every step we make, can be filled with peace, joy and serenity.

— Thich Nhat Hanh

Greetings, Inspired Seekers!

As I sit in quiet and ponder the musings of a new year approaching, I am struck by the importance of perspective. At this time of year, perspective is all. For we can view this time as either the end of a year OR we can view it as the beginning of our next chapter. And that perspective informs our entry into 2019.

With that in mind, I begin with a question: Can we forge a new beginning by being more thoughtful, more receptive and more aware in the coming year? Can we focus on the good, the positive and the hopeful? Not with goals of avoidance or denial but, rather, with the fervor of a living faith, unattached to the relentless critiques of the world view and the need to offer our opinions and judgments? I know…that's two questions and it's also a tall order. But, hey, it's a new year and those old patterns only seem to feed the ego and allow us to indulgently center on the self. And, to be honest, the world continues without either our opinions or judgments. Really.

We often speak of our spiritual practice but this new direction will require much more practice if we are to identify those patterns of behavior that we have so lovingly adopted in spite of the little value they contribute.

Practices such as meditation and prayer contribute to a healthy spiritual life and a more peaceful existence. And a healthy spiritual life allows us to hold opposing views and thoughts in a healthy tension, understanding each side with a compassionate perspective while recognizing differences.

Can we, as a people, compassionately view ourselves and the world in a detached manner? We say we want less drama in our lives but we remain stubbornly attached to the entrances and exits that hold us captive and give us permission to star in our little daily dramatic performances.

Perhaps 2019 will be the year of greater recognition, thoughtful observation and really letting go.

May 2019 bring you much joy, strength when you need it, and enough quiet time to really take an inward look. 2019: The Year of Living In Serenity.

Grace-Fully Yours,
Reverend Deborah

Monthly Affirmation: I walk into each day with compassion and thoughtfulness.

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington supports people of all traditions in their journey toward a more peaceful, detached life through spiritual practice. She can be reached at 215 260 1611 or GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com.