Greetings, Inspired Seekers:

Welcome to November – the month that ushers in the crazy chaos of Christmas and the many other holy days of this season. We've all been here – time and time again, like a favorite song whose refrain we know by heart. But, this year, instead of the chaos, how about contemplation? How about a different tune?

Ever wonder why so many practitioners of so many traditions return to those traditions at the holidays? To the familiar song sheets? Well, I have a theory.

Traditions, rituals, and celebrations of community are probably more important than we realize as we rush through the rest of the year. We crave the melody of well-worn notes.

As the year approaches its close, all of the special days descend upon us like some beautiful, familiar symphony, hard to ignore, beautiful in resonance, and, yes, interruptive. As faith practitioners of holy traditions, rituals unite us, ground us and shift us into our roots. They are the bass notes, bringing us back to center. And all traditions, in some form, share the practice of contemplation, the sotto voce of our soul.

Your practice of contemplation might be a type of meditation or prayer. It might be walking silently in the woods or resting quietly on a shore line. If you bake or garden, you know how contemplative those actions are as you sway to the melody that only you can hear. The importance of your practice does not rest in the form it takes; it is in the constant, intentional commitment that you make.

Just like our Thanksgiving gatherings, cards at Christmas and candles at Hanukkah and Diwali connect us to our practice, these rituals center us, awaken us and transform us at this time of year.

So, perhaps, this month, we will stop, regroup and recommit ourselves to contemplation in all of its glorious forms. In that way, just like the candles and the giving of thanks, we stop, pause, listen to the strains lilting in our souls and reconnect to each other as we touch the Divinity in each little moment. The Conductor is at the ready to raise His baton as we wish each other joy, happiness and the best of all traditions.

Happy Thanksgiving! May your tables and your hearts be full!

Grace and Kindness,
Reverend Deborah

Question of the Month: Are you ready to commit to contemplation?

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington officiates the rituals of committed individuals from many paths, celebrates sacred rites of passage, and speaks internationally on Interfaith as a peaceful way forward. She can be reached at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com or at 215 260 1611 for these and other spiritual services.