Epiphany - January 6
"A Closing Note The Holy Nights of Inner Christmas have passed. Our souls now reenter ordinary time. Today is Epiphany in the Christian calendar and celebrates two events in the life of Jesus. First, is the arrival of the Three Wise Men with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh at the manger in Bethlehem. Second, occurring thirty years later is the Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan and the beginning the Christ Deed on Earth. In the Soul’s Calendar, January 6 is the day of new inner awakening. Your soul has been in a mystical sleep for the Twelve Holy Nights and it now awakes with the dawning of new wisdom. This new wisdom brings you three precious gifts – new clarity in your thought life, new harmony in your feeling life, and new strength in your will life. Your soul returns to ordinary time - renewed, reborn, and ready to participate in the New Year..."
This was a post from a gal who felt extremely moved by the "Twelve Holy Nights" by Lynn Gericho (as we all did that read her blogh)and wrote the following:
My Epiphany~
A Cherokee Lesson: Two wolves
An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy. "It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.
"One is evil -- he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
"The other is good -- he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.
"This same fight is going on inside you -- and inside every other person, too."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather,
"Which wolf will win?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
If there is someone in your heart and mind who needs
healing or help of any kind, think of this dear one
now as you meditate on the following ideas:
· I surround you with thoughts of love.
· I see you strong, because God is your strength.
· I see you whole, because God is the life of your body.
· I see you unafraid, because God fills you with faith
and courage.
· I see you free from doubt and discouragement, serene and
steady, because the light of Spirit glows within you.
· I see you invincible, unconquerable, because you are first,
a
spiritual being, a child of the Most High.
· I see you as God sees you.
· I know that the healing power of God is mightily active in
you.
· Every time I think of you, I give thanks that God’s perfect
work is being done in you, for you, and through you, as you.
Make It a Great 2008!
Your Friend,Dee
The following is my own response to "The Closing Note":
posted by: Dee on Sun, 1/6 07:44 AM EST
I too have copied all twelve nights and will revisit on occasion due to the spiritual cleansing I received through reading each polarity. There is an extreme richness to life when we engage our minds to expanding our thoughts to all that surround us and to Lynn and the others, I thank you for this. I appreciate reading your thoughts and philosophies to living life. Take care and God Bless.
Hugs~
posted by: Christine on Sun, 1/6 10:30 AM EST
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Twelfth Day of Inner Celebration (Continued reflection)
A Personal Practice of Reflection and Renewal
for Individuals of All Faiths and Traditions
During the Twelve Holy Nights of the Year
December 25 til January 6
The Twelfth Holy Night - January 5
Certainty and Doubt
"Here we are at the last of the Twelve Holy Nights. Tomorrow I will send a message about Epiphany, but for now we must look to another polarity.
I have chosen Certainty and Doubt as the closing couple. How do we marry Certainty and Doubt in our souls? For me these two are hopelessly and wonderfully intertwined in my soul.
Certainty comforts me. It tells me I am experiencing what is true. True for me in the moment.
Moment is my favorite measure of time. A moment can be indefinably brief or it can take forever depending on the thought, feeling or action that occupies it.
So Certainty is a feeling found in moments filled with truth, confidence and elegance.
Yet, I am wary of lasting Certainty and it’s comfort. Lasting Certainty seductively asks me to fly high like Icarus, forgetting that my wings are held together with wax and that the sun is hot. Let Certainty be momentary … and tempered by wisdom.
Wisdom in her wariness will ask questions of Certainty: How close can I fly to the sun before melting? Do I need a parachute? She knows the dangers of lasting Certainty. Answer her questions.
Doubt challenges me. It tells me that my reality, spiritual or earthly, is complex and fluid. Doubt gives me choices: I can float or drown. Yes, Doubt is watery..."
I am very certain that without these enlightening polarities of inner celebration my reflections of life would no doubt be different and I would not have reflected in the spiritual ways that they lead me. Lynn, I thank you and all who shared during this time of blessing - what a warm and pleasant way to begin the New Year.
May we all be blessed with a new outlook to life!
Hugs~
posted by: Christine on Sat, 1/5 11:44 AM EST
for Individuals of All Faiths and Traditions
During the Twelve Holy Nights of the Year
December 25 til January 6
The Twelfth Holy Night - January 5
Certainty and Doubt
"Here we are at the last of the Twelve Holy Nights. Tomorrow I will send a message about Epiphany, but for now we must look to another polarity.
I have chosen Certainty and Doubt as the closing couple. How do we marry Certainty and Doubt in our souls? For me these two are hopelessly and wonderfully intertwined in my soul.
Certainty comforts me. It tells me I am experiencing what is true. True for me in the moment.
Moment is my favorite measure of time. A moment can be indefinably brief or it can take forever depending on the thought, feeling or action that occupies it.
So Certainty is a feeling found in moments filled with truth, confidence and elegance.
Yet, I am wary of lasting Certainty and it’s comfort. Lasting Certainty seductively asks me to fly high like Icarus, forgetting that my wings are held together with wax and that the sun is hot. Let Certainty be momentary … and tempered by wisdom.
Wisdom in her wariness will ask questions of Certainty: How close can I fly to the sun before melting? Do I need a parachute? She knows the dangers of lasting Certainty. Answer her questions.
Doubt challenges me. It tells me that my reality, spiritual or earthly, is complex and fluid. Doubt gives me choices: I can float or drown. Yes, Doubt is watery..."
I am very certain that without these enlightening polarities of inner celebration my reflections of life would no doubt be different and I would not have reflected in the spiritual ways that they lead me. Lynn, I thank you and all who shared during this time of blessing - what a warm and pleasant way to begin the New Year.
May we all be blessed with a new outlook to life!
Hugs~
posted by: Christine on Sat, 1/5 11:44 AM EST
Eleventh Day of Inner Celebration (Continued reflection)
A Personal Practice of Reflection and Renewal
for Individuals of All Faiths and Traditions
During the Twelve Holy Nights of the Year
December 25 til January 6
The Eleventh Holy Night - January 4
Passion and Compassion
"Passion and Compassion is tonight’s polarity. They are another polarity that relates to the heart.
I want a heart that is both passionate and compassionate. Passion and compassion have to do with joy and suffering in earthly and spiritual realms. To feel one and not the other would lead to a very lopsided life.
Passion arises in the earthly, selfish heart wanting heavenly joy through earthly experience. It is the feeling of intense enthusiasm, demanding hunger, or painful longing.
Passion fills our souls with self-interest and drives us to self-fulfillment and self-satisfaction.
Passion’s selfishness is necessary. It is a joyful expression of individuality. Sadly, passion can become inflamed, obsessive and never be satisfied. Uncontrolled passion brings suffering to the soul. Passion lives in a balanced metamorphosis between the force of arousal and the release through satisfaction. Passion can flame out in unrelieved arousal or die stillborn in apathy.
We need to find our passions and to know them well. We can share the ideas that are shaped by our passions and we can engage others in the deeds that fulfill our passions.
However, as an emotional feeling, our passions are a solitary experience. We feel only with ourselves..."
My response:
For me, this night of inner celebration couldn't of come at a more divine time...my grandma has been in ICU for the last several days due to complications of a failing heart. She is 89 years young, full of life and love. I invite you to share in the passion between a granddaughter and her admiration for her extraordinary grandmother in hopes that your compassion for life and love within your own relationships be restored.
Who Is This Woman I Dearly Love?
Coming to America, that was their plan,
A new life together, leaving their past in Finland.
They came with ideas, big dreams and goals,
To settle down in Minnesota, why—who knows?
She was born to a gentleman, strong, quiet and handy,
But because of the Depression, times were tough—money scanty.
Her mother was pretty and adjusted just fine,
To having six kids, always giving of her time.
With father at work five days a week then weekends gone fishin’,
Mother was at home cleaning up and preparing meals in the kitchen.
Being born last, she was the second girl to four boys,
Although all were loved, she was the baby—their pride and joy.
When asked what her childhood home was like,
She answered, “Grey in color, big yard with a well-pump and fence on all sides.”
It saddened my heart to hear of their deaths,
First her sister so young, then a brother four years later, age twenty—God bless~
Her parents and family moved on best they could,
They leaned on each other like loving families should.
Not too long after violence broke out causing WWII,
Her mother very sick from the influenza flu.
Father died of old age not too soon after,
Then did go Mama, possibly of “broken-heart” failure.
The rest of the kids stayed in touch with one another,
Some went alone and some went on together.
Some headed out west, others went to the east,
But she’s the only one living now, the others deceased.
There are many still left who branched off from her clan,
Don’t forget those families back in Finland.
Uncles, aunts, cousins abroad,
But the only one I know is her only child—seems odd.
With her immediate family now gone he makes time to call,
I too, come to see her; she’s part of me after all.
Without her stories and unconditional love,
I would have missed out on knowing her family—those now above.
She and I are “alike in so many ways”,
She tells me this often on our special days.
With my joy to read and interest to write,
She an editor during high school and wrote for the city of Duluth at night.
Her parents also creative and witty,
Mother Nummelin performed in theater; Father Heino having had his own business as a tailor within the city.
That’s not all we have in common—it’s true,
Our love for nature and animals shines through.
Who is this woman I dearly love so much,
If you guessed she’s my grandma—you’ve got the riddle touch.
Her name is Leila Helmi Heino, born March 30, 1918,
Forever, with all my love—your granddaughter, Christine
posted by: Christine on Fri, 1/4 09:10 AM EST
for Individuals of All Faiths and Traditions
During the Twelve Holy Nights of the Year
December 25 til January 6
The Eleventh Holy Night - January 4
Passion and Compassion
"Passion and Compassion is tonight’s polarity. They are another polarity that relates to the heart.
I want a heart that is both passionate and compassionate. Passion and compassion have to do with joy and suffering in earthly and spiritual realms. To feel one and not the other would lead to a very lopsided life.
Passion arises in the earthly, selfish heart wanting heavenly joy through earthly experience. It is the feeling of intense enthusiasm, demanding hunger, or painful longing.
Passion fills our souls with self-interest and drives us to self-fulfillment and self-satisfaction.
Passion’s selfishness is necessary. It is a joyful expression of individuality. Sadly, passion can become inflamed, obsessive and never be satisfied. Uncontrolled passion brings suffering to the soul. Passion lives in a balanced metamorphosis between the force of arousal and the release through satisfaction. Passion can flame out in unrelieved arousal or die stillborn in apathy.
We need to find our passions and to know them well. We can share the ideas that are shaped by our passions and we can engage others in the deeds that fulfill our passions.
However, as an emotional feeling, our passions are a solitary experience. We feel only with ourselves..."
My response:
For me, this night of inner celebration couldn't of come at a more divine time...my grandma has been in ICU for the last several days due to complications of a failing heart. She is 89 years young, full of life and love. I invite you to share in the passion between a granddaughter and her admiration for her extraordinary grandmother in hopes that your compassion for life and love within your own relationships be restored.
Who Is This Woman I Dearly Love?
Coming to America, that was their plan,
A new life together, leaving their past in Finland.
They came with ideas, big dreams and goals,
To settle down in Minnesota, why—who knows?
She was born to a gentleman, strong, quiet and handy,
But because of the Depression, times were tough—money scanty.
Her mother was pretty and adjusted just fine,
To having six kids, always giving of her time.
With father at work five days a week then weekends gone fishin’,
Mother was at home cleaning up and preparing meals in the kitchen.
Being born last, she was the second girl to four boys,
Although all were loved, she was the baby—their pride and joy.
When asked what her childhood home was like,
She answered, “Grey in color, big yard with a well-pump and fence on all sides.”
It saddened my heart to hear of their deaths,
First her sister so young, then a brother four years later, age twenty—God bless~
Her parents and family moved on best they could,
They leaned on each other like loving families should.
Not too long after violence broke out causing WWII,
Her mother very sick from the influenza flu.
Father died of old age not too soon after,
Then did go Mama, possibly of “broken-heart” failure.
The rest of the kids stayed in touch with one another,
Some went alone and some went on together.
Some headed out west, others went to the east,
But she’s the only one living now, the others deceased.
There are many still left who branched off from her clan,
Don’t forget those families back in Finland.
Uncles, aunts, cousins abroad,
But the only one I know is her only child—seems odd.
With her immediate family now gone he makes time to call,
I too, come to see her; she’s part of me after all.
Without her stories and unconditional love,
I would have missed out on knowing her family—those now above.
She and I are “alike in so many ways”,
She tells me this often on our special days.
With my joy to read and interest to write,
She an editor during high school and wrote for the city of Duluth at night.
Her parents also creative and witty,
Mother Nummelin performed in theater; Father Heino having had his own business as a tailor within the city.
That’s not all we have in common—it’s true,
Our love for nature and animals shines through.
Who is this woman I dearly love so much,
If you guessed she’s my grandma—you’ve got the riddle touch.
Her name is Leila Helmi Heino, born March 30, 1918,
Forever, with all my love—your granddaughter, Christine
posted by: Christine on Fri, 1/4 09:10 AM EST
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Tenth Day of Inner Celebration (Continued reflection)
Leading and Following
"Tonight we go ballroom dancing. The dance floor is our soul. The music is our destiny. The dance floor is filled with couples - all the polarities we have been working with."
I tend to sway back and forth with leading and following, but not yet in "tune" with my polarities to be at a graceful swing, although I'm extremely grateful to be learning about them and their differences and will make the best to expand in my thoughts to becoming a more patient and creative thinker and doer.
Thank you again Lynn and all for your diverse and thoughtful words.
Hugs~
posted by: Christine on Thu, 1/3 08:04 AM EST
"Tonight we go ballroom dancing. The dance floor is our soul. The music is our destiny. The dance floor is filled with couples - all the polarities we have been working with."
I tend to sway back and forth with leading and following, but not yet in "tune" with my polarities to be at a graceful swing, although I'm extremely grateful to be learning about them and their differences and will make the best to expand in my thoughts to becoming a more patient and creative thinker and doer.
Thank you again Lynn and all for your diverse and thoughtful words.
Hugs~
posted by: Christine on Thu, 1/3 08:04 AM EST
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Ninth Day of Inner Celebration (Continued reflection)
Greetings Lynn and All~
Upon reflection from these two guiding words, "order" and "chaos" would be the two words I know "clearly". Unfortunately I was a victim to much abuse growing up...verbal, sexual, emotional, and mental, etc (you name it, I define it). However, being of optimism and hope I survived. For me, order and chaos became habit, a serenity haven if you will. It took years of soul searching, self-reflection, and growth to escape these hardened, dysfunctional areas. But as Lynn describes these two as being apart of "maintaining organization and boundaries", I can now proudly reflect the peace and balance they have in my spiritual and earthly being. However, their will always be up and downs but having had the opportunity and experiences from the past to reflect upon, I know that I will continue to see positive enlightenment.
Again, thank you abundantly Lynn for opening our souls and empowering us to think and thirst for not only our own visions, but also the connection with others as we dive into learning and loving.
Hugs~
Upon reflection from these two guiding words, "order" and "chaos" would be the two words I know "clearly". Unfortunately I was a victim to much abuse growing up...verbal, sexual, emotional, and mental, etc (you name it, I define it). However, being of optimism and hope I survived. For me, order and chaos became habit, a serenity haven if you will. It took years of soul searching, self-reflection, and growth to escape these hardened, dysfunctional areas. But as Lynn describes these two as being apart of "maintaining organization and boundaries", I can now proudly reflect the peace and balance they have in my spiritual and earthly being. However, their will always be up and downs but having had the opportunity and experiences from the past to reflect upon, I know that I will continue to see positive enlightenment.
Again, thank you abundantly Lynn for opening our souls and empowering us to think and thirst for not only our own visions, but also the connection with others as we dive into learning and loving.
Hugs~
Eigth Day of Inner Celebration (Continued reflection)
In reflection to gathering and spreading...to bring closure from 2007, I would say that overall last year was a pivotal time for me, great achievements in the area of my career and providing a better future for my family. However, I look forward to 2008 and spreading a more "intimate" and "selfless" spirit. I plan to work towards a greater patience and listening with an open heart. For when we listen, we learn.
Joel Osteen (Author of "Your Best Life Now") sums it up well..."Change your mind; expand your world - To live your best life now, you must begin looking at life through eyes of faith, visualizing the life you want to live."
Happy New Year and may you be blessed with new beginnings!!
Hugs~
posted by: Christine on Tue, 1/1 12:14 PM EST
Joel Osteen (Author of "Your Best Life Now") sums it up well..."Change your mind; expand your world - To live your best life now, you must begin looking at life through eyes of faith, visualizing the life you want to live."
Happy New Year and may you be blessed with new beginnings!!
Hugs~
posted by: Christine on Tue, 1/1 12:14 PM EST
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