Hello Dear One,
How has the darkness been treating you? Have you been feeling the urge to hibernate? I've felt the dip in energy and the yearning to curl up on the couch with the dogs and a good book or movie. This time of year certainly calls for slowing down. And isn't it interesting how the holidays tend to call for ramping up?! It is a conundrum and I hope you're finding your own sense of balance and peace.
I've been thinking a lot about peace and contentment this week. It's so easy to focus on what's missing or what's gone wrong or what I should have done differently. But, today I'm reminded that I have a choice as to where I place my focus. So I choose to focus on what's gone right and the gifts of what is. This isn't always easy. And it's important to not ignore any hurting parts of yourself in the process.
I encourage you to take some time to check in with yourself: How are you feeling? What do you need? What can you give to yourself today?
This morning I carved out some time to journal. I spent time with my heart before jumping in to the busyness of the day. I had a conversation with the part of me that didn't want to let go of focusing on what's missing. I was willing to tend to myself first. This freed up space and energy so that when I did go to work I was more energized and creative.
And I'm so grateful because we're creating such an exciting and powerful experience for you! Please join us this Sunday evening at 6:30 pm for our very special Winter Solstice Christmas Candle Lighting Celebration Service! I will be sharing about Creating Peace Anew and we will also have a special ceremony to release that which which is complete and to celebrate the rebirth of light emerging from the darkness. In this new spaciousness, we explore: what is it that the light wants to be in you this coming year?
We will also have a very special, award-winning musical guest, Diane Lines! She was a member of the Dal Richards Orchestra for 15 years and recorded four albums with Dal. She was the accompanist for Grammy Winner Michael Buble for two years and has worked with a variety of other artists including Juno winners Shari Ulrich, Alfie Zappacosta, Gary Fjellgaard, Kenny Wayne and Jim Byrnes. As a musical director, she has worked at The Charlottetown Festival, The Citadel Theatre in Edmonton and the Arts Club Theatre in Vancouver. In 2018 Diane received an Ovation Award nomination as Musical Director of the Year and was inducted into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame.
I hope to see you there!
Much Love,
Cassandra
Cassandra Rae, spiritual director
Centre for Spiritual Living White Rock
"Creating Peace Anew" on Sunday, December 22, 2019 at 6:30 pm (doors open at 6:00)
Bring a dessert and stay for Tea & Treats afterward!
Sunnyside Community Hall