Share your Word for 2013
In ancient times, wise men and women fled out into the desert to find a place where they could be fully present to God and to their own inner struggles at work within them. The desert became a place to enter into the refiner’s fire and be stripped down to one’s holy essence. The desert was a threshold place where you emerged different than when you entered.
Many people followed these ammas and abbas, seeking their wisdom and guidance for a meaningful life. One tradition was to ask for a word – this word or phrase would be something on which to ponder for many days, weeks, months, sometimes a whole lifetime. This practice is connected to lectio divina, where we approach the sacred texts with the same request – “give me a word” we ask – something to nourish me, challenge me, a word I can wrestle with and grow into. The word which chooses us has the potential to transform us.
- What is your word for the year ahead? A word which contains within it a seed of invitation to cross a new threshold in your life?
Share your word in the comments section by Tuesday, January 8th and you are automatically entered for the prize drawing (prizes listed below).
A free 12-day online mini-retreat to help your word choose you. . .
This year I am offering all Abbey newsletter subscribers a gift: a free 12-day online mini-retreat with a suggested practice for each day to help your word choose you and to deepen into your word once it has found you.
Sign up here and you can start your mini-retreat today. Once you subscribe you will receive a confirmation email with access to the mini-retreat content (and you are free to unsubscribe at any time). If you are already a subscriber, the invitation will be in this week’s email newsletter.
Win a Prize – Random Drawing Giveaway on January 7th!
Some wonderful friends of the Abbey have offered fabulous prizes to be included in this drawing held from all of the names who participate:
- from Christine Valters Paintner of Abbey of the Arts: a space in the online Lenten retreat with St. Hildegard of Bingen
- from Kayce Stevens Hughlett of Diamonds in the Soul: a signed copy of her book As I Lay Pondering: Daily Invitations to Live a Transformed Life
- from Dana Reynolds at Sacred Life Arts: a space in her online class The Book of Wonderment and a signed copy of her brand new novel Ink and Honey
- from Ronna Detrick: a space in her online class Soulstice: Develop a Meaningful Spiritual Practice
- from Roy DeLeon of Now Praying: a signed copy of his book Praying with the Body and personalized body prayer for your favorite Psalm
- from Tess Giles of Pilgrim’s Moon: a print of the beautiful banner art by Rima Staines
- from Velma Frye: a copy of her CD “Seven Sacred Pauses” and “Take Heart”
- from Richard Bruxvoort Colligan: a copy of each of his Psalm CDs “Sharing the Road” and “Shout for Joy”
- from Trish Bruxvoort Colligan of River’s Voice: a copy of her CDs “Breath” and “Unfolding”
- from Mary Sharratt: a copy of her novel Illuminations: A Novel of Hildegard of Bingen
- from Waverly Fitzgerald of Living in Season: a copy of her French Republican Calendar for 2013 and a copy of her New Year Dreams E-book
- from Betsy McCall of the Art Monastery: an original art print
- from Paula Huston: a copy of her latest book Season of Mystery: 10 Spiritual Practies for Embracing a Happier Second Half of Life
Pretty wonderful, isn’t it? Make sure to check out the links to their websites for all kinds of goodness and thank them for supporting the Abbey!
So please share your word (and a sentence about what it means for you) with us below. Subscribe to the Abbey newsletter for your free gift. Share the love with others and invite them to participate. Then stay tuned – on January 7th I will announce the prize winners!
844 Responses
Integrity.
The word appeared on the back of a panel truck, sitting in front of me in traffic. Part of a corporate logo of some sort, the rest of the writing just faded out whilst the one word, “INTEGRITY” seemed aglow with an inner light. It followed me for the better part of a week, a single word popping up at odd moments, bringing fresh images and little gifts of insight. I thought of structural integrity, the architectural term for a well made bridge or building, that can bear the load of life. I thought of how the word implies “all of a piece” and “consistent” and tightly knit, well woven, dependable. This word calls me to an appealing way of living, of approaching each moment clear-eyed, and with a steady heart.
My word for 2013 is: listen and wait.
“Purposeful”–live all of 2013 with thoughtful purpose and prayer, aware
Of living always in God’s holy presence.
My word is GRIT. It refers a recently research-defined concept in the arena of positive psychology and has to do with what it takes to become really good at something. Grit is a combination of persistence and self-control, manifested in learning, self-discipline, coping with frustration, “sticking with it”, courage, discovery and patience. It is fueled by passion and commitment, and is an important part of a flourishing life. I guess an older use of the term (e.g. “True Grit” ) is not so far off. I want to increase my GRIT in these areas of my life: creativity ( visual arts and writing) and wellness (fitness and movement).
“STEP”….into tomorrow,
into the moment,
into a moment of peace,
into a moment of focus,
into a caring and recognition of others,
back into appreciation
for all that is and is to be.
beauty— because ” beauty will save the world”
My word for 2013 is “STRIDE”. Huh? Yup… this is it!! After several months of foot pain in multiple locations in my right foot, I learned that I have been wearing the wrong sized shoes for years! This realization coincided with my annual review of my journal entries, whereby I say a frequent theme of procrastination and refusing to “step out” on my own behalf. So… brand new shoes for me as I STRIDE forth into this new year with sass and excitement! : – )
Love this sistah!
Anyone ever notice the web address could also read Abbey Oft Hearts? ;-)
Dawning….not reborn, birthed, birthing….I am alive and the beautiful light of the early morning of the journey is beginning to peek through the mist.
My word is “trust”. Trust my inner voice, which really comes from and is an extension of the spirit of my creator.