One thing I’ve discovered in my 4 years at Anam Cara is that we are all way too busy.  People find it difficult to make room in their lives for friendships, for their spiritual life, for their families.  We are being pulled in too many directions and are overcommitted. 

In the coming year, I would encourage you to simplify your lives, claim back your time for those things you truly value.  Take care of yourselves!  I offer these insights into how you might unfold your spiritual life in a more conscious way in the coming year

 The essence of any spiritual practice, regardless of the tradition, is to set apart space and time to nourish your connection with Spirit (however you experience that mystery) and to listen in silence to the wise inner guide.  Create a beautiful space, indoors or outside, to be your sacred meeting place with Spirit.  Give yourself some time each day, even if it is only 10 minutes, morning and night, to center yourself, breathe and find inner peace.  As you invite the presence of Spirit into your life in a conscious way, you will discover that you are not alone. Your life has been unfolding in a mysterious web of interconnections, and that which you long for, is as near as your breath.

 Practice an attitude of gratitude.  No matter how difficult your present life circumstances, if you take time to notice and appreciate the beauty around you, or the gifts you have received, you will find yourself more centered and at peace.  The more you notice, the more you will receive.

 Listen for, and follow your inner guidance.  Recognize the cycles of solitude and companionship that are necessary for your well-being. Go into the solitude expecting to find great riches, for you have an inner depth that perhaps you have only begun to touch. Celebrate your beauty.

Reach out to people around you. All you have to do is follow your inner guidance and pick up the phone and ask a friend or acquaintance:   “would you like to …”  You just might find yourself on a wonderful adventure or ministering to each other in a very deep way.  It seems strange to be recommending this—but I am amazed how isolated we let ourselves become by feeling we’re too busy, or because we’re too shy to ask  — when nurturing friendships are so essential to our well-being.  I would encourage you to try this, and see what happens. When you follow your guidance, all kinds of synchronicities begin to assist you in your spiritual path.

Know the joy of reciprocity—the beautiful circle of giving and receiving that keeps your life moving and your spirit growing.  We are all connected in a beautiful web of incredible richness.

 Walk on this beautiful earth with reverence and joy.  Don’t cut yourself off from the incredible healing power of nature by busyness.  When you are out in the mystery of nature, connected to its wise rhythms and seasons, your life will find its own rhythm and meaning.

 I offer you this healing song of intention, to take you into this New Year:  May it be a source of power and strength for you.    

Feel free to call me and I'll teach you the melody.

Great Song of the Universe, Come and Sing through me.  (2x)

May my intentions be one with the rhythm of life

May my heart beat strong and free

May my music dance with the movement of Spirit

May Earth’s wisdom sing through me.

Great Song of the Universe, Come and Sing through me. (2x)

With affection and Blessing,  Jeanne Marie Merkel  (Copper Beech Woman)