Peace, stillness, dying

Blessed are all who create peace, for they shall be called offspring of God. Matthew 5:9

Dear friends,

Last Monday we honored the darkness, beauty and mystery of this holy season by sharing our practice together. Can you begin to understand how your practice, your work, is a gift to the circle? Each drop of practice adds to the shared presence. It's like a pearl which grows, layer upon layer,  as a reaction to the irritant of the grain of sand caught in the oyster shell. Our practice, our struggle with practice, builds presence. On Monday night as we grappled with our resistance to darkness, our fears of dying and getting lost in this blackness, the collective presence grew into  a peacefulness and stillness that is so near during these halcyon days of solstice time. We shared the lighting of candles and the singing of Silent Night -- thank you Janet-- and the glory of Holy Night (performed by Holly Near). A silence dropped in and over our circle. Such a blessing. These are the fruits of your hard work, your sincerity, and your practice. 

Monday night's questions:

Tell me a way that blackness evokes fear or dread. 

Tell me a way darkness invites you into the stillness

Explore your feeling of peace. Explore your distance from this peace. 

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season. Stay warm and safe. Hope to see you all on January 5th for our first session of practice of presence in the new year.