Fasting and contemplation are a major part of my ritual on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism, the Day of Atonement.
No matter where I am in the world, I stop. I spend the day fasting, praying, reflecting and, most importantly, listening.
Over the years, I have learned that there is tremendous power in stopping and creating space for silence. When we step away from the noise and the constant doing, we can see our lives from a different perspective. We can hear what is asking for our attention.
In fact, the idea for my books, The Joy of Ritual and The Joy of Family Rituals, came from a three-day period of silence and fasting I spent with my spiritual teacher, Brugh Joy, more than 25 years ago.
Who knows what can emerge when we give ourselves the space to truly listen?
As we move toward the Fall Equinox on September 22nd and the Full Moon on September 26th, I invite you to pause and take stock.
Before rushing toward what is next, look at what is already here.
What are you grateful for? What is working in your life that you may be taking for granted? What needs to be released? And what are you ready to create or reshape?
My own life has certainly been a rollercoaster. Plans have been derailed. Doors have closed that I thought would remain open. And yet, when I stop long enough to listen, I know deep in my heart that I am guided.
Perhaps this is the invitation for all of us right now:
Stop.
Listen.
Give thanks.
Then choose what comes next.
My affirmation for this time: I rethink my intention and reshape my future.
Ritual Of New Beginnings
Take some clay or play dough.
Create a symbol or figure that represents you. Or you can simply draw an image
Sit quietly and focus on things you want to create or change.
Bless it with health, wealth, the potential for spiritual growth , wisdom, creativity, love or anything else you desire..
Visualize yourself with these new qualities
Keep it on your altar as a reminder of the New You.
With love,
Barbara
P.S. You may have noticed this newsletter arrived a day later than usual. I decided to take my own advice and pause. Sometimes, even our routines need a little space.