Prayers & New Beginnings

"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." - Mother Teresa

The photo is of a colorful tree in Saint Edward State Park.

I just spent some peaceful time lighting healing candles and saying prayers at one of my favorite sites, Gratefulness.org. There is even a Gratefulness Labyrinth Pilgrimage. Brother David Steindl-Rast has such an inspiring site. If you want a positive place to visit this is it. The following quote is on their site for today:

"Every morning is like a new reincarnation into this world. Let us take it then for what it is and live each moment anew." Paul Brunton

My thoughts are, also, turning to Rosh Hashanah 5770 (Jewish New Year)which begins at sundown on Friday September 18 and ends at nightfall on Sunday September 20 this year. Thinking of a new beginning, I want to include a bit of wisdom directly quoted from the National Center for Jewish Healing website: Tools and Resources:

Hessed/Random and Not-so-Random Acts of Kindness/Tikkun Olam

An important counter-balance to all the bad, depressing news — is to focus on specific deeds of care and lovingkindness that directly "repair the world" (Tikkun Olam.) These acts can tilt the scales, emotionally and spiritually, and support hope and resilience, if not optimism. Volunteer opportunities abound, and you can also create your own, by offering to shop or clean for an elderly or disabled community member, cooking for a shelter, cleaning a public park, or tutoring a child. These kinds of win/win opportunities can help us feel empowered, recognized, and appreciated.

"If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito." - Dalai Lama XIV

And my unrelated poem for today:

simple hearing it is not
head stuffed with self
listening well escapes me

May you listen with your heart