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The World Needs You

There is a vitality, a life-force, an energy,a quickening that is translated through you into action. And because there is only one of you in all of time this expression is unique.  And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. 

The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open;whether you choose to take an art class,keep a journal, record your dreams,dance your story or live each day from your own creative source. Above, all else, keep the channel open. 

-Martha Graham

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you NOT to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won’t feel unsure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. As we let our own Light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

–Marianne Williamson

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Monk in the World Guest Post: Michael Moore

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Wisdom Council member Michael Moore’s reflection on Sabbath and Silence. I am thankful to Christine and the Abbey community for this opportunity

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6 Responses

  1. Beautifully vivid quotes…it is sad how fear withdraws us into self, how it dims the light, and deadens the sound of music and song in our hearts. It tells us not to color outside the lines, in a world that cries to be painted with all the glory of His creativity. Thanks Christine for the gentle reminder, Pax…Ron+

  2. Welcome Cyndi, thanks for the poetic reflection.

    Story Midwife, what a wonderful image of the “dancing, ravaging woman” deep within, awakened and unleashed. I am blessed by her and you, the union of you both.

    Deep peace and joy, Christine

  3. Christine,
    The first time I heard the Marianne Williamson quote (eleven years ago when I was 20-years old) I could hardly take it in. I didn’t know what it meant to “be small” — I was so inside my smallness that I couldn’t even wrap my head around it. I had an inkling of what it meant to be BIG. I knew there was someone inside me that was ravaging around trying to GET OUT! I posted this passage on my bedroom wall, and over time it became my life mantra. A few years ago I started a song with these words. Now, I rarely encounter them. However, each time I do I am transported back to that season in my life when they sustained me, and I marvel at the ways that dancing, ravaging woman inside me has awakened and gotten out! Even more marvelous, I like her very much.

  4. Soul Food…
    The earth is
    too small
    to be
    food for the soul.
    without you Lord,
    my soul
    will hunger
    and thirst
    for more
    and never
    be satisfied.
    God gave us
    the bread and wine
    transformed
    by his priests
    to be the true
    satisfaction
    turned into
    Him for the
    nourishment
    of our souls.