• 146th International Peace Meditation “The Wonder of It All”

    “The Wonder of It All”

    Feb. 1. 2009 — Today is Tuesday, January 13, 2009, and I’m having a lonely day. Two major conditions of my life contribute to this loneliness. 1) I have Fibromyalgia and it, and it’s many companions, have resulted in my inability to do the work I have always done. 2) I am a writer. By its very definition it requires time for reflection.

    So, unable to keep a work schedule, and needing time to collect wisdom from living and attempt to share it with others, I fill my life with reading, meditation, writing, learning about a healthier lifestyle, exercise, cooking, meetings, and occasionally, family and friends. A balance that I seem to require even if I don’t always like it.

    Today is one of those days. The deep cold of the great and wonderful Northeast is trying my patience. I talk with my friend Martha, but the rest of the time I fill with current events and all that cited above. Only, today it’s getting to me. I need to get out. I need to get the house demands out of my mind. I need to create.

    By 2:00 p.m. I can no longer stand being in the house, let alone attempting the chores I have assigned myself. Yes, I am the taskmaster of my fate, and not always the most patient with my shortcomings. My husband would say that that’s putting it too mildly. I need to give myself permission to say no to my compulsions that I convince, or try to convince, myself, are other-driven. Actually, anyone who knows me, knows better.

    So, this is how, by about 3:00 p.m., I find myself sitting in a cold parking lot overlooking magnificent Lake George in New York. I have the best view. I know, because I’ve scouted it out on my scores of visits here to write. Today it is even more beautiful than I could have imagined.

    Most people think of warm breezy summer days on a lake. Or water surrounded by budding trees and sunshine. They may prefer autumn’s splendid array of majestic colors. I love them all.

    But today is what we might call “understated elegance.” Shades of gray, charcoal, and white with the outline of naked trees remind me once again of the beautiful healing power of nature. I come to it a little depressed, lonely, and with a curiosity of what lies ahead for me, the Institute, and my readers who support me by their reading and occasional comments. Why, I wonder, does drinking in the very essence of nature so fill my soul? Why does it speak to me in such a way that I can’t seem to stop writing, thinking, creating, reflecting–and writing again? What does it touch deep within me?

    How can I share this passion, and essence of creativity, with others? Why is noise so empty, and stillness so complete? Why do I turn away from everything that is of human origin to once again grasp that inner part of me that requires Solitude? Stillness? I am in awe of nature. I am in awe of the creative process that it spawns. I am in awe that nature is never exactly the same, yet it always “is”. It, simply, is. And for that I am forever grateful.

    The empty part of my soul has been filled. The silence is not silence, but communication. The silence is full, and so am I.

    This Meditation is dedicated to those who seek Stillness in order to Know.

    Reflections
    Deep in the innermost dwelling
    I come to receive.

    The journey is lonely
    The emptiness complete.

    It is interesting that in order to take in new
    We must eliminate the old.
    And so it is.

    The Stillness is full
    Of the essence of Love.

    You cannot share the solitude
    You can only share its fruits.

    The soul finds Love in the stillness
    All else is deception.

    A true Teacher
    Will rarely be found.
    For she/he must gain perspective
    Alone.
    Sue Kidd Shipe, Ph.D.
    Executive Director

    Please join us in prayer/meditation during the 24 hours of Sunday, January 4th, and again the first Sunday of every month. The International Institute for Human Empowerment, Inc. has completed our 13th year of continuous International Peace Meditations. Forward our Meditation to all in your address book; make copies for your religious and spiritual brochures and bulletins.

    Important Dates to Remember:

    September 11, Annually     International Unity Day

    Please join us in this essential annual commemoration. You can find out more by going to www.humanempowerment.org and selecting the globe.

    The International Peace Meditation invites people of all faiths to participate. The International Institute For Human Empowerment, Inc., a 501C3 charity registered in New York State, is not a member of any religion in order that it may serve all.

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    Or send your contributions to:
    International Institute For Human Empowerment, Inc.
    P.O. Box 3920
    Albany, New York 12203 USA
    Please make checks or money orders out to:
    International Institute For Human Empowerment, Inc.

    The International Institute For Human Empowerment, Inc. is a
    501 ( C )( 3 ) tax-exempt organization recognized by the United States Government. Your contribution within the USA is tax-exempt.
    Sue Kidd Shipe, Executive Director
    International Institute For Human Empowerment, Inc.
    P. O. Box 3920
    Albany, New York  12203   USA
    (518) 393-9491
    sueshipe@www.humanempowerment.org
    www.humanempowerment.org

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