Caretake this moment.
Immerse yourself in its particulars.
Respond to this person, this challenge, this deed.
Quit the evasions.
Stop giving yourself needless trouble.
It is time to really live; to fully inhabit the situation you happen to be in now.
You are not some disinterested bystander.
Exert yourself.
Respect your partnership with providence.
Ask yourself often, How may I perform this particular deed
such that it would be consistent with and acceptable to the divine will?
Heed the answer and get to work.
When your doors are shut and your room is dark you are not alone.
The will of nature is within you as your natural genius is within.
Listen to its importunings.
Follow its directives.
As concerns the art of living, the material is your own life.
No great thing is created suddenly.
There must be time.
Give your best and always be kind.
-Epictetus
On Sunday, yesterday, Lana, Leigh, Andy and I led a service at Newington Green Unitarian Church in north London. Our theme was appreciation. In the service, we took time to, not just talk about appreciation, but to share it. I read the following:
"Following the theme of Caitlin's reflection, we are now going to spend some time sharing our appreciation. We invite you to think for a few moments about someone who you appreciate. Then, when you are ready, use the paper provided in your order of service to write that person's name and a short sentence summarizing why you appreciate them. When we have all finished writing, we are going to share. Just stand up whenever you feel ready........
"Thank you, all. Sharing appreciation has great power. Albert Schweitzer said 'At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with great gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.' In our hands we hold little slips of paper with simple words. But, each one has the potential to rekindle or fuel someone else's flame. In order to do that, however, we must share our appreciation with the person it is directed towards. Only in expressing our appreciation to that person may we hope to be a spark to their flame. So perhaps, if we are all willing, we may set ourselves a goal: to be a spark and be sparked by sharing our appreciation with others."
The service went really well and it was filling. Being a part of this Unitarian community fills me. Somehow, taking time each week to reflect and to be around with a group of people so committed to supporting on another has given my life a fullness and purpose that I have sought elsewhere to no avail. There is no dogma, no preaching, no 'truths' per se, yet I have never experienced such intentional and genuine commitment to positive living/growing as I have found in this community.
