"I believe..."

"I believe for every drop of rain that falls,
a flower grows.
I believe that somewhere in the darkest night,
a candle glows.
I believe for everyone who goes astray,
someone will come to show the way.
I believe, I believe.

I believe above the storm the smallest prayer
will still be heard.
I believe that someone in the great somewhere
hears every word.
Every time I hear a newborn baby cry,
or touch a leaf or see the sky,
Then I know why I believe!"

The Bachelors, "I Believe," touches me deeply each time I hear it.  There is something about the declaration of these simple truths that recalibrates, and aligns my heart.

So today's post...though not, in any way, a comprehensive list...is made up of a few things that believe.  I'm limiting myself to the first dozen that pour onto the page. This is not a place to catalogue metaphysical insights, or to unpack what I have learned from the reading, studying, investigating, and practicing the
lifeworks, and writings of others...this is just what I believe...with simple, effusive joy...today:

I believe that Love (God) is stronger than hate or fear, and that hope, forgiveness, purity, trust, humility, honesty, mercy, compassion, grace, understanding...are not "things" we seek, but spiritual imperatives, a divine influence radiating from the kingdom of heaven within each of us.

I believe that children, nature, and animals are our greatest teachers...and that we are privileged to be entrusted with their care..in family, in community, and as spiritual citizens of a God-endowed universe.

I believe that we are all brothers and sisters of one divine Parent, branches of one expansive family, one spiritual root system...and that, in the spirit of adoption, since we accept that a mom (or dad) can love more than one child in a family...completely, and without favor...I believe that a child can love more than one mom (or dad)...birthparents, stepparents, godparents, grandparents...completely, and without favor.

I believe that it is in our darkest hour, that we discover our own light.

I believe that serving others is a gift, a window on our best selves.

I believe that when we dissolve hierarchies, and all labels...politics, gender, race, religion, caste, class, economic stratification...we begin to see the coincidence of the human with the divine, in ourselves, and others.

I believe that all the books, and teachers, in the world...however inspired, and great...are only as good as the degree to which they lead us inward towards the silent space of consciousness, where we commune directly with the Divine.

I believe that unbroken friendship really is "the greatest miracle known to earth,"  and that our desire to connect with one another, on the deepest levels, is unquenchable.

I believe that walking in nature...on the beach, in a park, or a forest...loosens mental log-jams, and gives rhythm to the music of head and heart, where prayers find their place, and sing as clear as melody.

I believe that when I open my hands to give...rather than reaching to get, grasp, hold, and own...I allow the "river of His pleasures" to flow through my life in unbidden, and irrepressible, ways.

I believe that kindness is the most rare, and precious commodity on earth, and that listening deeply to someone is the greatest gift we can give one another.

I believe that grace has brought each of us into one another's lives for a holy purpose....

thank you for being in mine today...

I love you,

Kate