Dear Labyrinth Friends,
Grace is a word I thought I understood. However, while “investigating” the tenets of Grace I realized how profound it is. Ram Dass talks about asking for it and calling it down from your Guru, Guide, Guardian Angel or Spiritual Friend. John Paul Warren says, “Grace is not a little prayer you say before you eat. It is a way of life.” Some talk about allowing ourselves to see it in others or say it is within us. I wonder if they are all correct. At least we have a lot to ponder during the year! A labyrinth walk, most likely on your own these days, could be a perfect place to consider what Grace means to you.
2021 begins with the continued frustration of Covid 19 that is born of lack of connection, touch, movement and fear. Add to that the need for unity after the US elections and new leadership. During these winter months in the Northern hemisphere, let’s allow ourselves the space to understand a Grace that comes from within after we accept and forgive ourselves. Then, let’s look for it in others. Is there a place to show others your Grace through forgiveness? And most importantly, let’s be grateful for it- however it arrives.
Peace,
Ellen Bintz Meuch
Founder, Global Healing Response
Global Healing Resource Quarterly
2021 Theme: Grace
“Virtue and genuine graces in themselves speak what no words can utter.”—William Shakespeare
January-February-March
Focus: Forgiveness
Quote: “We judge others by their actions and ourselves by our intentions. We need to offer grace to all, because we all need a little grace.” -Jayce O’Neal
Picture/symbol: The olive branch to offer to others, or yourself, with grace.
Prayer/Meditation:
To come home to yourself
May all that is unforgiven in you
Be released.
May your fears yield
Their deepest tranquilities.
May all that is unlived in you
Blossom into a future
Graced with love.
-John O’Donohue, To Bless the Space Between Us
Ideas for benefiting organization: Offer support to the frontline workers of Covid 19 via the hospital or other medical facility near you.
Ideas for ambiance around the labyrinth: Create a big pot filled with sand. Put candles in the sand and allow each walker to light a candle as they offer grace in the form of forgiveness to themselves and others in their lives.
Music: Experience Grace Instrumental: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBAo1jykk6g&list=RDYBAo1jykk6g&start_radio=1&t=2255
Click here for a PDF version of these materials
