Dear Friends,
The beginning of the day is a most important time.
We all know from experience that if we don't set an intention in the early part of the day we are unlikely to stop to do so as the busyness of the day takes hold.
If we enter a day without the outline of a plan we are more likely to feel we have achieved little if anything at all when we look back at the end of the day.
Beginning a day without a plan is like setting out on a long journey without having taken the trouble of checking a map.
There is another good reason to pause for reflection before the start of a new day.
The gift of each day is a benefit beyond price.
When we are young I imagine most of us are less aware of the value of each day.
Certainly that was the case with me.
With life stretching out before us there is no reason for us to pause to consider that there would be any end to this good fortune.
As we grow older and as we lose family and friends to illness and accident we come to realise how short and fragile this life is and how important is the gift of each new day that we are given.
For these reasons at least,
And possibly many more that you can think of,
It is a valuable practice to begin each day with a period of quiet reflection that includes some form of dedication.
With this in mind I have a suggested morning dedication for you.
But please feel free to compose your own dedication,
Your morning offering,
Reflecting your own ideas and relating to your own circumstances.
Let's pause for one minute now to come mindfully into the present moment before I share these thoughts with you.
Welcome back.
And now for our morning dedication.
As the sun rises and paints the sky with colours of dawn I open my heart once more to the wonder of this existence.
The rustling of leaves,
The chirping of birds the gentle breeze,
The soft rain.
May my steps today be guided by love and compassion.
I give thanks for the gift of this new day filled as it is with possibilities.
I promise to tread lightly upon the earth respecting all of its creatures.
May I have the strength to face the challenges of today with grace and the wisdom to cherish each fleeting moment.
May I find purpose and meaning in life.
May I be a beacon of light and love in this world as with a heart filled with gratitude I accept the gift of yet another day.
Namaste.
