No surprise that I started the morning feeling shocked and sad, struggling to understand, to even slightly comprehend.
But then I remembered reading a quote that said something along the lines of “when agitated turn to nature” and decided to go for a walk. I immediately found myself focusing on (and taking even more photos of) beautiful autumn-leaved trees.
And as I started breathing more deeply and relaxing just a little bit, what popped into my mind was a prayer I learned during the seven years I attended a Unity church. When I gave birth to a stillborn baby boy in 1995, this prayer was the lifeline that kept me from drowning in grief and repudiating God:
There is only One Presence and One Power
active in all the universe and in my life:
God, the Good, Omnipotent.
I’m not saying that the situations are exactly comparable, only that I found it extremely helpful to remember this truth at this time.
As I continued my walk, I was thinking about the importance of living my dharma; of being a warrior of light in this world; and of how important it is to stay centered in love while keeping my energy high. And of how it’s all part of the Divine Lila (God’s play).
When I reached the midpoint of the walk and took yet another photo of a beautiful tree before I headed for home, I was surprised to find myself mentally singing one of my favorite Thanksgiving hymns from childhood:
For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies,
for the love which from our birth over and around us lies;
Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.
But then I realized it was entirely appropriate to think about all that I still have to be thankful for, regardless of what is going on in the wider world. As the scripture says: “In every thing give thanks.” But note well that it says “in every thing,” not “for every thing.” HUGE difference.
For the rest of the way I sang Swami Kriyananda’s song, “I Live Without Fear” (lyrics below) and arrived home feeling much calmer and centered in myself.
After breakfast, Ramesha, Mike, and I gathered in the recording studio for the absolutely FINAL listen-through of the Christmas album. It felt like perfect timing because our dharma is to help get Swami Kriyananda’s music into as many ears as possible in order to raise the consciousness of the world, and I believe this album is really going to help make that happen.
And finally, as I left the studio I looked at and (for once) really saw the big old cedar trees across the road from where I was parked. Looking at how big around they were, and thinking about how long they’ve been there, made me think of the “Trees” verse from Swamiji’s song “Channels”:
Trees, standing firm, hold the secret of inner pow’r.
Give us, when tested, strength to endure.
What a great reminder to stand firm in our inner strength and power, so we can stay the course through the longer rhythms. 🙏
I LIVE WITHOUT FEAR
Though green summer fade
And winter draw near,
My Lord, in Your presence
I live without fear.
Through tempest, through snows,
Through turbulent tide,
The touch of Your hand
Is my strength, and my guide.
I ask for no riches
That death can destroy.
I crave only Thee:
Your love, and Your joy.
(repeat)
The dancers will pass;
The singing must end:
I welcome the darkness
With You for my friend.