Spiritual Preparation For 2007
by Shaheerah Stephens
We are coming to the
end of 2006. At end of each year we usually reflect on what we have
accomplished during the past year and decide on our goals for the new
year.
2007 adds up to 9 (nine)
2+0+0+7=9. It will be a year of endings, transitions and massive change.
Change can feel like death. I believe that is why we resist change. We
are catapulted into the unknown for a period when we are in the midst of
change. Yet change is inevitable and we need to practice going with the
flow and trusting the Universe in a 9 year. You might want to adopt the
affirmations, “I trust the process,” “the Universe always supports me,”
and “I go with the flow and I grow and glow.”
It’s time now to release
everyone and everything that is not a part of the divine design of your
life. Some people will just release themselves from your life. Let them
go. To everything there is a season and in the 9 year it is about
clearing out the old and preparing for the new. When one person leaves
your life, another one will come that is new and improved. Life is all
about evolution. People come for reasons and seasons. Release everybody
to their highest and best good.
Nine is the number of
spiritual development. More than ever, prayer and meditation is needed
in 2007 just to stay centered and sane. What an opportunity for us to
develop patience, endurance and steadfastness. When we are fully
developed we become greater conduits for Spirit to use.
December is a good time to
prepare for the coming year. At this time of the year the Christ spirit
is so close to us; it is making its descent into the heart of the
planet. It makes its descent into our hearts also.
Many years ago a dear
spiritual sister told me how the Christ spirit and the angelic host are
so close to the earth during December. So, I might attend a few social
gatherings during the holidays but my focus is an inner focus. I am no
longer caught up in the material trappings of the season.
If you don’t want to
participate in the “financial hoopla” of the season, let your family and
friends know and don’t do it. Live in your own integrity regarding the
season.
Just as the Sun is born
every morning, reaches its peak at midday, falters into a beautiful
sunset and then dies for the night, so goes the year. The year is born
in the springtime (the equinox, which is why the ancient Jewish calendar
marked the beginning of the year in the spring), reaches its zenith in
the Summer solstice (and not incidentally when the crops were at their
most abundant), reaches a sunset in the autumn equinox, then dies into
the night or the winter of the year. Thus we have a cause for
celebration in the darkest part of the year. This celebration we see
with the trees, lights and gifts. All of the outer symbols have
spiritual themes behind them.
The Phoenicians believed
that the dark nights of winter are when the veil between the spirit
world and the living world is the thinnest. It is therefore an
appropriate time for self-examination without judgment. It’s a time for
inner work, especially forgiveness of self and others. It’s a time for
deep inner connection to Spirit for guidance, restoration and renewal.
During this season of
spiritual preparation, carve out some quiet time. Set up a special area
in your home and claim it as your sacred space where you commune with
Spirit. Play soft, relaxing music. Burn incense as you pray, symbolic of
your prayers going out into the Universe. Take a few spiritual baths.
Sea salt added to your water helps to release toxins. Add a little
lavender essence oil to your bath so that you can relax. When you take a
spiritual bath it is best to shower first and then take your bath. Pray
over the water before you get in the bath.
Write a forgiveness list
every day for at least 9 days this month with your name at the top of
the list. Say a prayer asking Spirit to reveal to you a symbol of what
2007 will mean to you. Sit in the silence for about 15 minutes, don’t
question it and whatever you see, write it down. Stay aware and
conscious of how often you see this symbol in your daily travels. Take
it as a sign that Spirit is always communicating to you, working for you
and with you.
God is your silent partner
and God’s wisdom, strength, energy and skill are ours to use. In every
soul there is a great reservoir of radiant Spirit substance, which is
ready and eager to be tapped and freed so that it can supply our every
need. God is our unfailing Source and we get to really prove this in
2007.
Ask Spirit to give you a
vision of yourself and write down whatever comes to you. When Spirit
gives us a vision, Spirit also gives us the provision for the vision.
Keep a dream journal. Often Spirit will speak to you through dreams.
When you need greater understanding just ask Spirit. Understanding and
guidance will come as you take the time to just listen and observe.
Become an active observer. Step outside of the matrix of worry and fear.
Step into a place of unconditional love for yourself and all others.
Design your 2007 calendar
with time for meditation and prayer daily. Plan time for more study and
rest. Plan to experience more retreats in 2007. Spend at least one day a
month in total silence. Embrace solitude. Opt to be with you. It’s in
the silence that you hear Spirit and it takes practice in order to hear
Spirit. Practice the presence!
Dishonesty will not be
tolerated in the coming year. Tell the truth quickly. The truth will
make you free. Tell yourself the truth if you don’t tell it to anyone
else.

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