My "Word" for 2017

• Posted by Rev. Renee Paddock January 8, 2017 - 1,144 views

  A couple of years or so ago, some of my friends started doing a "theme" word for the year, rather than a "resolution". Since many resolutions take on a negative connotation of what to NOT do; the "word of the year" puts a more positive spin on it of what you want to bring in or concentrate on in the year ahead. 
  A cute idea, for sure, and with some merit. But it wasn't something I subscribed to...until this year. 
  Perhaps a couple of minor health issues coupled with growing anxiety from my "day" job tipped the scales, but for whatever reason - when a UU friend created a sermon around it, I felt compelled to think about "my word". 
  I pondered it for quite a while - turning it around in my head over a couple of days. I tought for a short while that my word would be "re-assess" but as I turned that over and played with it and pondered some more - I realized it just didn't feel right. 
  Then I took a deep breath to sigh...and I felt the cool air filling my lungs, and I breathed in again - and I felt my head clear for an instant, again - and I felt my shoulders relax.

  I had found it! Breathe, yes, BREATHE.
  It is a reminder - because when I am stressed out I sometimes hold my breath.
  It is a renewal - because breathing deeply cleanses the lungs, the blood and the spirit.
  It is its own meditation, no words needed.
  It is the beginning.
  
  So - of course - since selecting my word and announcing it to my world, I have promptly forgotten to "do" anything about it.
  Today I got a reminder...
  I have also been posting many uplifting and/or thoughtful poems & meditations - my current way to try to "keep it positive".
  While finding my selection for today, I came across the following:

  BREATH MEDITATION

  By Samuel A Trumbore

  Let us turn inward now
  Feel the rhythm of the breath.
  In and out, In and out,
  Find the peace of just being with the flow of the breath.
  Letting go of yesterday and tomorrow.
  Feel the restorative power of the peace of this moment.
  A peace, large enough to open
  to the concerns and sorrows that trouble us.
  A stillness, quiet enough to respond
  to the joys and celebrations that enliven us.
  There is safety here in the rhythm of the breath.
  The ebb and flow of life is enacted with each one.
  Taking in oxygen sustenance,
  Letting go of carbon dioxide waste.
  Taking in the fullness of experience
  Letting go of the residue that wants to cling to us.
  Cultivate inner peace and inner safety
  in this sanctuary
  dedicated to cultivating the Spirit of Life
  dedicated to being a beacon of love for all beings.