“We do not acquire spiritual realization; it is revealed from within.
When we want to see in the dark we turn on a light. To see more clearly in life, we turn within and invite the illumination of our consciousness by intentionally abiding in the divine Self.”
~Yogacharya O’Brian
As we the days grow shorter and the nights longer, we are called to turn inward. This is a time to stay steadfast in our daily spiritual practice. A time to turn within to stay centered in soul consciousness as we prepare to celebrate the holidays. To have a meaningful celebration we must take time to prepare ourselves spiritually as well as preparing the outer trappings.
In her book, A Single Blade of Grass, Yogacharya O’Brian reminds us, “Spiritual practices, those seemingly small acts we commit to each day, are the threads that tie our life into a meaningful whole”. We can be so caught up in buying presents and decorating our house, perhaps even baking goodies to share with loved ones that we neglect our spiritual practice and our lives unravel.
I can remember as a parent of young children becoming so frazzled at the holidays while working full time and trying to get everything done in preparation for the holidays that I had no patience for my children. Instead of doing, doing, it was time for me to pause and Be. It was time for me to be steadfast in my daily spiritual practice.
Instead of getting caught up in the busyness of the season, even in lock down, how much more meaningful this time can be for us if we take the time to stop, sit and abide in our true Self. Thus nourished, we can discern what is important and what we can let go of. We can move from the darkness into the light. We can enter into the sacredness of the season and truly celebrate.
Rev. Nita Shankari Kenyon