Sunday, I held a second, intimate labyrinth workshop and began it with the following queries:

– How can I center myself as I leave one year and begin another?

CENTERING

After bumbling along for years trying so many on, I clearly require a regular, daily practice such as deep breathing, prayer, gratitude and deep connection. My own ... something to root and ground me every day and always be there ... first thing. When I recently asked my shaman how he tamed his ego, he replied "With a daily practice." I must uncover mine instead of toying with a variety at different times, in different venues. I need something simple, doable and rock solid for a mom, not a nun or monk. I'm open to suggestions. I also desire to enter 2013 by examining my blessings of the last year and expressing gratitude for them. I don't want to forge on mindlessly; that leaves ego in charge.

TRUST TO TRANSFORMATION

What must I lay before the Lord? Money, pure and simple, I want to put down my love/hate, but mostly hate, relationship with this tool. I am realizing it does not have to be evil, that, indeed, it can be used for good. Last year, I initiated a gratitude practice and began to see currency as more of a blessing, one that began flowing. I want to make my peace and lessen the tie between it and my self worth, one our culture promotes. I also choose to shed my woundedness, now that I better understand its source, in the center of the labyrinth as well as my self doubt ... trusting Spirit to transform these negatives.

PRAYER

Spirit, please help me to:

trust more fully,

give you what creates struggle within me,

remain in the wonderful flow I've experienced recently, 

be more fully present, 

clearly see all that I have, 

be joyful, 

express joy and 

serve ... with a full heart!

ENTERING NEWNESS

I pledge to embrace this time:

healthy in mind, body and spirit;

joyfully;

courageously; and

as if I'm on a grand adventure with God at my side,

not removed.

How does your heart respond:

• What unresolved issues in my life can I leave at the center of the labyrinth?

out with the old

that no longer fits,

that binds me,

closes me,

tightens my heart,

tears me from God

in with the new,

the joyful and colorful

the loose and flowing

openings, flutterings,

leadings and paths

edging nearer Spirit

Listen to post:

http://www.turtleboxstories.com/audio/edgingnearer 2.mp3