Faith 

At this time of year there are celebrations with Christmas, Channukah and the Solstice.  2016 has required us to draw on our faiths, even question them.   My Jin Shin Jyutsu teachers describe faith as: fear absent in the heart .

Fear!

When fear, strikes with the adrenalin rush comes a call out to whomever you believe in.  Suddenly I don’t feel so alone in working with my clammy hands and racing heart.  Wherever I am, I can call on people to pray for support.   The sense of a community, with a shared wish sent to the deities, has heartened me.

When I have no direction, treading water in the unknown I refocus on breathing and  my faith.  Daypa in the  Tibetan language is the closest match to faith  it means to trust and have confidence.  A verb to practice frequently.

Absent

Absent a state I can be existing in, unconsciously – until I am challenged.   Demands from the other dimensions of my existence can cause me to be missing in action from my faith.  A simple prayer, humming an om or look to the sky – reconnects me to  faith.

With what is unfolding in the world I have questioned “Where is God?”

If I stay still and watch nature there is God waiting for me.

Sometimes I think God will respond “Where have you been?”

 

In

 

In: to be included,  counted as a valuable member in a community.  No building required, an inclusive gathering to share faith.

Fundamentalism has promoted terrorism – breaking the IN of community.  A  society that tolerates and respects the richness of all faiths is to be upheld.   Activism in 2016 saw people “stand by her” standing alongside women dressed according to their faith requirements.   In June 2016 the Dali Lama spoke to the European Parliament on religious terrorism:

Dalai Lama: There is no “Muslim Terrorist” or “Buddhist Terrorist”

 

The

The  is whom you believe in God / Goddess / Gaia/  or even none of these.

In New Zealand I was introduced to the religion of Rugby – yes they have faith in the All Blacks and rituals.

People hold a unique relationship and image of  their faith. ” The” is observed in believers mores / values.

Heart

Jesus spoke of loving our neighbour as ourselves.

The Dali Lama stated how all religions teach love.

Love lives in the heart.   Acting in faith leads you to move from your heart not head.  Coming from a space of love encourages kindness, forgiveness, tolerance and compassion.  Thus faithful became known for their heart inspired actions.

Sadly in Churches and other institutions there has been abuse damaging precious lives.  With current investigations and education hopefully this will end.

 

Come all yeah faithful

When there is pessimism regarding the future it asks us to take a risk, to step up.  The Christmas Carol “Oh  come all ye faithful” is the summoning to be Faith – fear absent in the heart.  Honoring your faiths I hope you are able to celebrate without fear, with all your heart.

References

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-schiffman/why-people-who-pray-are-heathier

http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/10-ways-praying-actually-benefits-your-health-p114/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/more-mortal/201406/5-scientifically-supported-benefits-prayer

http://www.dalailama.com/messages/religious-harmony