Acceptance is Love in Action

As the holiday season approaches, some of us look forward to joyous family reunions while others experience dread.  Let’s face it, much as we try, when faced again with the divergent personalities, attitudes, and characteristics of distant family members, we find ourselves to be intolerant.  

So how best to deal with this?  Through Presence.  Presence is being fully in the moment, it is deep listening, it is compassionate listening, it is acceptance of where someone is in their life journey and awakening, it is love.  Presence takes Practice.  I’ve experienced this with one person in my life, and to be honest, I’m still working on that relationship.  Life is meant for learning, and I’m learning Presence too!

Each of us sees life differently, with its unique lessons and experiences, and as we grow older these experiences shape our personality and life outlook until it becomes fixed, even obdurate.   Since you’re reading this missive, then your life journey is one of spiritual awakening and consciousness, making it more obvious when you bear witness to someone who is stuck in old patterns of behavior. 

Have compassion for them, not judgment, but listen and be present.  Hold them in prayer for an unfolding level of consciousness to help them see the beauty of humanity, of God’s love and creation.  Prayer in your own voice, silently in your heart, has every bit as much heavenly power as that recited in a place of worship, for it is shaped by the sincerity of your intention. 

While celebrating Thanksgiving, give thanks for family, all God’s family, in celebration of our Oneness and our differences, for we are all fish swimming in the same spiritual sea of life.