Being that I am not a religious person, (which is not to say I am not a spiritual person), it's a bit ironic that my word for this year is faith. I think I need an extra large helping of it. I happen to work with someone who comes to work every day, with a smile on her face and a spring in her step. I had to stop and ask her what enables her to live in light each day. I suspected it was her faith, and it turned out I was right. I felt it was a lesson for me. Though I grew up with a very religious grandmother and parents who always were open with me about their faith, I couldn't understand why I had a hard time connecting with a higher power. But as I have grown older, I have begun to realize it's what is missing from my life, and why I feel so discombobulated. Having said that, I am not a good candidate for any kind of organized religion. It's a much more private connection for me. I feel very uncomfortable wearing my faith on my sleeve, much less even discussing it on my blog. But I am throwing it out there today, sort of an SOS to the universe that I am ready for introspection, for meditation, for connection with a higher power. And that will be my charge this year, to find that which connects me to every other living being on this planet and to take comfort in knowing that I have a purpose, that there is meaning to this life.
"There are only two ways to live... one is as though nothing was a miracle...the other is as if everything is..." -Albert Einstein
I like your word a lot. I'm exactly in the same place as you, and don't have that connection to organized religion either. I'm always in awe at people who are able to shout their beliefs from the rooftops. I wish you the best on your journey. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Christine Edwards | January 03, 2011 at 01:40 PM
These words were meant for me today - thank you! I don't even know how I stumbled upon your blog - so glad I did - love your work! Happy new Year!!!
Posted by: Tania | January 05, 2011 at 06:53 AM
I visit your blog on a regular basis and am always inspired, and grateful for your generosity. Helping others, seems to come naturally to you and to me that is an act of faith. Happy New Year and thank you! Love, Penny
Posted by: penny willoughby | January 06, 2011 at 04:51 PM
I understand exactly where you are. Someone once told me to be still each day and think about the questions. The answers will come. My word for this year is "still". Funny how hard it is to take 15 minutes out of a day just to be still. Good luck on your journey!
Posted by: IndyCinD | January 07, 2011 at 03:45 PM
Hi Ranjini, I don't know if you are interested in a Christian perspective, but I have been reading "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan and it has really been hitting my heart and rebuilding my faith. I think to find what you're seeking, you need to discover who God is. Here is a video for the book: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRi4VwcrYmA
Posted by: Rosa Friedl | January 08, 2011 at 03:28 PM
Hi there, I come by every once in a while, and this post struck a chord in me.
I grew up in a very religious household, parted ways with my beliefs when I was in college, then married a man in ministry three years ago.
I feel like I've been through the ringer as far as faith goes, and I can happily say that the spring in my step can be wholly contributed to my belief in God.
Take some time, read, and explore, and take it from someone who has been around the block, it's SO worth giving it a try.
He's never let me down.
Posted by: Stephanie Wheeler | January 10, 2011 at 01:47 AM