Contemplative Haven

Dec 31 2008

A New Year’s Blessing/Declaration

Published by gabrielle at 10:22 am under Faith/Hope/Love

A couple of years ago, in a post called Synchronicity (I copied and pasted the comments over here from the old site), I spoke of Julia Cameron and her book “The Artist’s Way”. Recently in the library I spotted another of her books, entitled “Blessings. Prayers and Declarations for a Heartful Life”. Here is one that I’d like to take to heart for the New Year:

Divinity is my true nature. I am a soul among souls. I intersect those people whom I am meant to meet. Our paths cross by divine providence, not by chance or misdirection. We are blessed in our connection. Knowing this, I encounter all I meet with curiosity and gracious hospitality. I open my heart to receive them and I open my mind to acknowledge the insights and information which they bear. In every encounter, I respond and react from a position of curiosity and kinship. My heart is not closed. My heart is not defended. I am an equal among equals, a learner among learners, a friend among friends. As I seek, I too am sought. I am drawn to the people who best companion me. The people I best companion are drawn to me. My heart is secure in its divine origin. Resting in that security, I meet all souls with the recognition of their godhead, their divine spark, their dignity. Extending myself in compassion and companionship, I journey through the world with a tender and a welcoming heart. I bless this world and it blesses me in return.

H A P P Y N E W Y E A R!

From: Julia Cameron, “Blessings. Prayers and Declarations for a Heartful Life”, from the declaration entitled “My Heart Knows Its True Name”, pgs. 63-64

12 responses so far

12 Responses to “A New Year’s Blessing/Declaration”

# annon 31 Dec 2008 at 12:21 pm

This is the sort of prayerful reminder that I could well do with reading at the start of every day – and it’s certainly a great way to look forward to the days that lie ahead.

We know there are occasions when we meet someone or they us, and instinctively something clicks, it was meant to happen, and whether it was for ours or their sake doesn’t really matter, the important thing is we need to be open to give or to receive. Not to let the chances go by, that’s going to be my motto for 2009.

Happy New Year, Gabrielle.
# Cathyon 31 Dec 2008 at 1:00 pm

I really appreciate this. I need to be reminded often when meeting people not to judge them…I need to be open…Allow for Divine Providence to be my guide! THANK YOU!!! Cathy
# Carolon 31 Dec 2008 at 1:09 pm

I’m going to bump into two souls beyond here who will say, “You! We spoke all the way across the Atlantic–and how cool was that! It kept you from crying, and uh, me, too.” Or “Remember that weekend at the Naval graduation? We 3 moms went everywhere together, especially into fear, our one quiet.” I dread the thought (almost) that there will be a number of people whom I’ve seen in the supermarket or malls or libraries or elsewhere, who are one day going to say, “Um, why’d you pretend not to know me?” Truly, we were made family in Him — literally if UNexplicably — true brothers and sisters, forever. We’re going to realize that a little beyond here.

But as for like spiritual purposes, oh, it’s surely Providential and a half. Praise God. And I think that’s the meaning of the internet — although it has not escaped the vultures’ notice, the Holy Spirit has unlimitedly gathered the Body in one *place*.

And I think this is more than that another generation has been raised up to give Him glory…I think it’s a honing of God’s people.

In 2009, I’ll be aiming to extend a flower and a smile, or to receive the same –without fail — wherever I go.

A blessed New Year to all.
# Owenon 01 Jan 2009 at 9:16 am

God bless you in this new year. May he guide you and order your creative and contemplative steps. Peace be with you.
# Gabrielleon 01 Jan 2009 at 10:15 am

Happy New Year, everybody; thanks so much for stopping by. I think we’re not too used to these kinds of affirmations in our tradition, are we, but I like this little book full of blessings and positivity! May we all have a blessed year, filled with peace and joy, not letting chances go by, as Ann said, and being able to discern more and more easily His Will in our lives. I’ll be visiting over the weekend, I hope!
# Piaon 01 Jan 2009 at 2:37 pm

A tender and welcoming heart..like the thinking heart of the barracks (Etty)..Openness to others is something I’ve been pondering these days: “As I seek, I too am sought. I am drawn to the people who best companion me. The people I best companion are drawn to me.” Beautiful.
Happy new year, everyone.
# lucyon 02 Jan 2009 at 12:17 am

oh, i do love ms. cameron. i was not familiar with this book. yet another one to add to my growing list.

happy new year!!!
# Gabrielleon 02 Jan 2009 at 12:39 am

Pia, Happy New Year to you too! I am grateful to God for this blessed companionship.
# Gabrielleon 02 Jan 2009 at 12:44 am

Happy New Year, Lucy! Actually, she has written quite a few books (which I didn’t know until recently). She’s a great writer and teacher, and strikes me as being a very generous spirit.
# MCon 02 Jan 2009 at 8:04 am

A very beautiful reading and wonderful post. You do excellent work. Thank you for gracing us with your gift. Happy New Year to you and yours. God bless!
# Mike Farleyon 02 Jan 2009 at 9:02 am

Wonderful passage, Gabrielle – thank you! “My heart is not defended…” Amen!

Happy New Year, peace, and all blessings…

Mike
# gabrielleon 03 Jan 2009 at 2:05 am

MC and Mike, thank you very much. It was a pleasure to be able to visit you both (albeit too quickly). I have lots to catch up on, and many people I haven’t got to yet, but it will be fun and worthwhile, I know. A very Happy New Year to you both!