| LIGHT
UP THE NEW YEAR
By Laura Plumb
We’ve
feasted on gratitude, purified our spirits for advent, and opened
our hearts in celebration of the birth of Christ, the miracle of
Hanukkah, or, more basically, the growing light in these dark days
of winter. We’ve sung carols, shared gifts, kissed under the
mistletoe, and perhaps even prayed. Now what?
In our rush to the next thing, many are now making resolutions for
the New Year. What if, though, instead of resolving for something
new we commit to the heightened spiritual awareness that this season
represents? What about taking hold of the light and the love we
have been feeling and spending our winter deepening it within? What
if, instead of reaching for something different or altering something
about ourselves, we commit to growing, knowing, what we already
are?
Americans of all religious and cultural flavors were treated to
the Dalai Lama’s simple wisdom when he recently spoke with
Barbara Walters. To her question, “What is the purpose of
life?” he confidently responded, “The purpose of life
is to serve, and to love.”
When we serve from truth, and love authentically, we open ourselves
to our infinite Self. We come to know that divinity that we just
celebrated in December, and we come to know it not in holiday garb,
but within our own being. That knowing is a deep inner affirmation.
It gives purpose. It is a deep well from which can arise a spiritual
reverie that is not dependent on calendars, snow, family, friends,
presents, midnight mass, or candles, or carols.
The awakened heart, the birth of Christ, the miracle of the oil
burning for 8 days on the re-dedication of the Temple, represent
inner events. All of these winter holidays of various religions
are reminders of the eternal flame within each one of us that can
burn bright enough to purify our bodies, enlighten our minds, illuminate
our lives, and bring peace to our communities.
In Yoga that light is nurtured through the cultivation of faith,
surrender and tapas - the discipline and devotion required
to commit to a regular practice of growth and awareness. Service,
or Karma Yoga, is the practice of
sharing
our light in communion with others.
We are fortunate to live in an age when illumined sages and
experienced teachers are many amongst us. The path to freedom, to
self-knowledge, to an awakened heart, is within reach for all.
For now is the glory and the power, and it is thine: You are the
light of the world. Let's try to remember that this year. As the
year begins let's commit to find the inner, everlasting divinity,
and put it to service. Let's allow our hearts to remain open so
our light shines a beautiful path for others, too.
The Heart's Inspiration
January, 2006
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