March 2010

How can we practice letting go gracefully?  One practice is by paying attention to our breathing.  We don’t hold our breath; we let go.  Sometimes simply bringing our attention to our breathing in and out can ease and calm us. Throughout the day, bring your awareness to your breathing.

Letting go makes space for something new, for release, openness, freedom.

Poet Karin Boye writes, “Of course it hurts when buds burst.  Otherwise why would spring hesitate?...Hard to be uncertain, afraid and divided, hard to feel the deep pulling and calling, yet sit there and just quiver - hard to want to stay and to want to fall.  Then, at the point of agony and when all is beyond help, the tree's buds burst as if in jubilation, then, when fear no longer exists, the branch's drops tumble in a shimmer, forgetting that they were afraid of the new, forgetting that they were fearful of the journey - feeling for a second their greatest security, resting in the trust that creates the world.”

The big questions is—At this time, what do you need to let go of in order to blossom?

A step along the way is to ask – What’s something new I’m willing now to try?

May this community support you in the trust that creates the world.  Shimmer!

Grateful and glad to share life’s journey with you,

Further Activities, Journal and Discussion Questions

Review your life story (perhaps making a list of the major stepping stones).  When did you try something new that opened up your world?

On Sunday sit in a place in the congregation where you don’t usually sit.  What new perspective do you have?

Begin a conversation with someone you don’t know.  Be open to new ideas.

As you move through your day, remind yourself, “Open Mind, Open Heart,” and be receptive to someone or something new.

Try walking with your hands in a gesture of an open cup and open to discoveries.

What’s some thing you have held on to and cherished, yet can now give away?

Make a list of the out of the ordinary, wildest, craziest things you might like to do.  Do one.

Where in the Bay area have you never been?  Visit some place new to you.

In the Christian tradition, we are now in the 40 days of Lent which lead to Easter Sunday.  Traditionally Christians fast or give up something to prepare themselves for new life.  What can you give up to support you for new life?

Adult Books

Expect a Miracle The Miraculous Things That Happen to Ordinary People, Unitarian Universalist Dan Wakefield, Harper San Francisco

Tending the Flame: The Art of Unitarian Universalist Parenting by Unitarian Universalist Michelle Richards, Skinner House, UUA

How to Bury a Goldfish: And Other Ceremonies and Celebrations for Everyday Life By Louise and Virginia, Skinner House, UUA

Going Out Dancing by Unitarian Universalist Ric Masten, Skinner House, UUA