The Way

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love…” Saint Francis. One of the steps of The Way is to forgive and let go. When you forgive it is not about letting people off the hook, it’s about loving yourself. It is important to let go of all the things and people who do not serve you. In order to progress on the spiritual path, it is imperative that you embrace Saint Francis’ words and become a walking instrument of peace. I have observed the decline of civility and courtesy in the world. People are nasty to each other. I don’t know about you, but I’m disgusted with politics. It’s mud slinging, but reading history, it’s always been that way. I am sadden at the moral decline, the lack of ethics in government, and the way we treat our fellow man. But I am embracing Saint Francis and living as an instrument of peace. And you can, too. Today, call his energy into your soul. Smile at the clerk. Inquire about your co-workers mother, and brighten some one’s day with an act of kindness. Collectively, we must make a change in this world.

Shelly, one of the romantic poets once wrote, “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?” It is early February. Most of us are winter weary. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of my bulky winter clothes, dry skin, and fly-a-way hair. But on my early morning walks, I observe the slight shift in the world as we move toward the light. Spring is lurking behind the curtain of Winter. My mind is exploring the idea of planting, spring recipes, and longer days. So, it is imperative that I prepare my body for the arrival. By following the seven steps of The Way I am keeping myself in a good space. My stress is lessened. My health is good. I am living in the moment, and I am staying away from energy thieves.  Daily, I give thanks to the Divine and practice meditation. Today is a good day to check in with yourself. How are you doing? Have you held your resolutions? Perhaps you were too enthusiastic and you need to revise. Perhaps you quit working out because it got cold and icy. Today remember that Spring is returning and revisit your intentions. Choose to live as an optimist. Know that the sun is returning. Believe in the goodness of people and remember that you must be the change you wish the world to see.

A good friend gave me a pillow with the words: “My goal in life is to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.” This morning when I awoke, and Lulu was tucked by my side I thought of those words. (Thank you again, Wendy.) Lovingly, she gazes into my eyes as I sip my morning coffee, only seeing the good in me, the divine spirit. To me, Lulu embraces the seven steps of The Way. She only lives in the moment. She can sense an energy thief yards away and either barks or goes into another room. She knows when to play, when to rest, when to let go, and when to meditate. I’m sure you’ve read about all the health reasons to have a dog. They lower blood pressure and give their guardian that unconditional love we all need. I’ve always thought that Dog was another word for God. And perhaps that is what Lulu is: the divine bundled into love.