|
Spiritual Preparation
for 2007
By Shaheerah Stephens
We are coming to the
end of 2006. At end of each year we usually reflect on what we have accomplished
during the past year and decide on our goals for the new year.
2007 adds up to a 9 (nine)
2+0+0+7=9. It will be a year of endings, transitions and massive change. Change
can feel like death. I believe that is why we resist change. We are catapulted into the unknown for a period when we are in the midst of change. Yet change is inevitable
and we need to practice going with the flow and trusting the Universe in a nine year.
You might want to adopt the affirmations, “I trust the process”,
“the Universe always supports me”, and “I go with the flow and I grow and glow”.
It’s time now to
release everyone and everything that is not a part of the divine design of your life.
Some people will just release themselves from your life. Let them go. To everything there is a season and in the 9 year it is about clearing out the old
and preparing for the new. When one person leaves your life, another one will come that is new and improved. Life is all about evolution. People come for reasons and seasons. Release everybody to their highest and best good.
Nine is number of spiritual
development. More than ever, prayer and meditation is needed in 2007 just to
stay centered and sane. What an opportunity for us to develop patience, endurance
and steadfastness. When we are fully developed we become greater conduits for
Spirit to use.
December is a good time
to prepare for the coming year. At this time of the year the Christ spirit is
so close to us; it is making its descent into the heart of the planet. It makes
its descent into our hearts also.
Many years ago a dear
spiritual sister told me how the Christ spirit and the angelic host are so close to the earth during December. So, I might attend a few social gatherings during the holidays but my focus is an inner focus. I am no longer caught up in the material trappings of the season.
If you don’t want
to participate in the “financial hoopla” of the season, let your family and friends know and don’t do it. Live in your own integrity regarding the season.
Just as the Sun is born
every morning, reaches its peak at midday, falters into a beautiful sunset, and then dies for the night, so goes the year. The year is born in the springtime (the equinox, which is why the ancient Jewish calendar
marked the beginning of the year in the spring), reaches its zenith in the Summer solstice (and not incidentally when the
crops were at their most abundant), reaches a sunset in the autumn equinox, then dies into the night, or the winter of the
year. Thus we have a cause for celebration in the darkest part of the year. This celebration we see with the trees, lights and gifts. All of the outer symbols have spiritual themes behind them.
The Phoenicians believed
that the dark nights of winter are when the veil between the spirit world and the living world is the thinnest. It is therefore an appropriate time for self-examination without judgment.
It’s a time for inner work, especially forgiveness of self and others.
It’s a time for deep inner connection to Spirit for guidance, restoration and renewal.
During this season of
spiritual preparation, carve out some quiet time. Set up a special area in your
home and claim it as your sacred space where you commune with Spirit. Play soft,
relaxing music. Burn incense as you pray, symbolic of your prayers going out
into the Universe. Take a few spiritual baths.
Sea Salt added to your water helps to release toxins. Add a little lavender
essence oil to your bath so that you can relax. When you take a spiritual bath
it is best to shower first and then take your bath. Pray over the water before
you get in the bath.
Write a forgiveness list
every day for at least 9 days this month with your name at the top of the list. Say
a prayer asking Spirit to reveal to you a symbol of what 2007 will mean to you. Sit
in the silence for about 15 minutes, don’t question it and whatever you see, write it down. Stay aware and conscious of how often you see this symbol in your daily travels. Take it as a sign that Spirit is always communicating to you, working for you, and with you.
God is your silent partner
and God’s wisdom, strength, energy and skill are ours to use. In every
soul there is a great reservoir of radiant Spirit substance, which is ready and eager to be tapped and freed so that it can
supply our every need. God is our unfailing Source and we get to really prove
this in 2007.
Ask Spirit to give you
a vision of yourself and write down whatever comes to you. When Spirit gives
us a vision, Spirit also gives us the provision for the vision. Keep a dream
journal. Often Spirit will speak to you through dreams. When you need greater understanding just ask Spirit. Understanding
and guidance will come as you take the time to just listen and observe. Become
an active observer. Step outside of the matrix of worry and fear. Step into a place of unconditional love for yourself and all others.
Design your 2007 calendar
with time for meditation and prayer daily. Plan time for more study and rest. Plan to experience more retreats in 2007. Spend
at least one day a month in total silence. Embrace solitude. Opt to be with you. It’s in the silence that you hear
Spirit, and it takes practice in order to hear Spirit. Practice the Presence!
Dishonesty will not be
tolerated in the coming year. Tell the truth quickly. The truth will make you free. Tell yourself the truth if you
don’t tell it to anyone else.
Rev. Shaheerah Stephens
is Author of The Wealth of a Spiritual Woman and the Spiritual Leader at Transforming Love Community. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and workshop facilitator.
Each month we will feature writings that reflect
the Truth Principles.
|
