Change is an inevitable part of our human experience. Our relationships change and the seasons change and our bodies change. We can see and feel the change from autumn to winter as we breath in the cool air… witness the bare trees… and experience less daylight. Autumn is a time of loss, grief and letting go. It is a natural time to let go of anything that is no longer serving our highest good. It’s a time to prepare for the winter months by tidying up the leaves in the yard… stacking and organizing our wood piles (if we have a wood stove) and preparing for the of hibernation of winter (even in Florida). Winter is a time to go within. It is often a time of reflection, re-evaluation and unknowing. I must constantly remind myself that it’s OK to be in an unknowing place. As we move into the winter months we are in a time of pause.
Over this past week, I asked myself, do I have the Faith to go with the Flow of the Natural Order of Things or am I going to use My Will to resist change? I have to admit that I am really good at forcing things to happen. Acceptance is a difficult thing especially for a strong willed person such as myself. My biggest lesson right now is to trust and have Faith that if I let go and trust in the natural order of things, spirit will provide and I will be OK.
Wednesday, December 21, was the first day of winter. Winter is the time of year when the seed is buried deep within the earth. But don’t be fooled by the stillness and the inactivity of winter. Although the energy is Quiet, it is a very powerful time of year. Winter is a time when the seed gathers nutrients and minerals by the underground water springs and mother earth assures the seed of the sustenance that it needs to thrive in the spring. This acquired strength is needed to nurture the potential of the Vast Growth in springtime. Growth for the sake of growth is doomed for failure without the reserves that have been accumulated and stored during the winter months. With the accumulated strength that has been gained in winter… our aspirations, motivations and intentions heighten our potential and innate purpose.
Our potential will be mobilized with clarity and vision after the winter thaw. Winter is a time when our faith is tested. Do we trust that there is light just beyond the darkness? Do we have Faith that there is something great that will emerge out of this time of pause? We may tend to think of a New Beginning in terms of an external change…. but it actually begins as an internal experience. It may be experienced as a subtle inner shift: a new sense of readiness…an inner awakening. One of the best ways to prepare for a New Beginning is to discover our souls deepest desire. Winter is a good time for going on this inner journey. New Beginnings that are sustaining are expressions of desire led by spirit. As we are interconnected with nature and the cycle of growth and decay, we are in a partnership with the Divine!
The abundance of the universe will fill the void only after we have committed to our Inner Work. When we are internally ready, we will find a way to create and put into form our dreams and desires led by Spirit. This is when the internal emerges into the external. There is a fascinating synchronicity between our Inner and Outer Worlds! New Beginnings often occur in unexpected ways. But one thing is for sure. When the new beginning has occurred, the doors will open and all the abundance of the universe will be at our doorstep.
And so, let us begin to reflect upon our deepest desires for the New Year that will emerge after this time of Pause. Let us plant our seed thoughts and intentions to be nourished during the stillness of winter. Let us move forward in Faith together. Our connection with our inner guidance will deepen and this coming year will emerge into something absolutely Amazing.
Questions To Reflect Upon
- Is there anything in my life that is difficult to let go of…even if it is in my highest good?
- How does it feel when I am in a time of pause or unknowing place?
- What is my personal definition of faith?
- Has there ever been a time in my life when my faith was tested?
- Have I ever taken a leap of faith? What was the outcome?
- What seeds am I called to plant this winter?
- What inner work am I called to do this winter?
Please don’t hesitate to make comments and share your experiences regarding this message.
May this winter bring you a deep connection with your Soul.
Blessings and Light,
Rev. Sheldon Ganberg, Ph.D., D.O.M.
Center For Sacred Living
centerforsacredliving@gmail.com
DR. SHELDON GANBERG 