Listening to others clearly opens the way to understanding the situation. But listening to others requires quieting some of the voices that already exist within us. When this happens, there is space not only for our own truest voice, what the Quakers call the still small voice within. This voice always tells us the truth. And, as Alice Walker has said,
"...the inner voice can be very scary sometimes. You listen, and then you go 'Do whut?' I don't wanna do that! But you still have to pay attention to it."
We need to take time to quiet down and listen to ourselves with attention -- not only in the midst of action, but when we are alone ... we need to listen fully. It is the basis of all compassionate action.
~ from COMPASSION IN ACTION by Ram Dass and Mirabai Bush
Let us sing to the Creator of the cosmos,
to the divine power of love!
When we look at the wondrous display
of the heavens,
at the Earth with its infinite
variety of life,
Who are we that You love us, that You
rejoice in our being;
that You trust us to care for creation
in all its splendor,
inviting us to become co-creators
with You?
Let us celebrate the mystery of life!
Let us commit our lives to
the Divine Plan!
The Earth is home to all creation, to be lovingly cared for by us in communion with the Divine Friend. Praises be to the Creator of the cosmos! With grateful hearts, let us give thanks! What other return can we give to the One, Who continues to gift us with life? When we open our heart to the Friend, when we live with compassion and kindness, we walk in beauty! We come to know the Divine Guest, Whose companioning Presence is ever with us.
Blessed are you who walk with goodness, who stand for the right, who live in truth. . . . You are like an acorn planted in fertile soil that grows into a mighty oak. Your life blesses others, you radiate love; joy delights your heart.
Let us sing to the Creator of the cosmos, to the divine power of love! When we look at the wondrous display of the heavens, at the Earth with its infinite variety of life, Who are we that You love us, that You rejoice in our being; that You trust us to care for creation in all its splendor, inviting us to become co-creators with You? Let us celebrate the mystery of life! Let us commit our lives to the Divine Plan!
Blessed are You, Who understood my tears, You comfort me with love's embrace. Though my eyes cannot see You, I feel your gentle Presence, like angel wings lifting my spirit.
You turn my mourning into joy, I dance to a new song. Blessed are You, O loving companion of my heart.
Blessed are you who work with goodness who stand for the right who live in truth. For you come to know the Friend who dwells in the secret room of your heart.
You are like an acorn planted in fertile soil that grows into a mighty oak. Your work blesses others, you radiate love; joy delights your heart.
Be not afraid to seek the Treasure within, To discover the beauty hidden in the heart's garden. For as you root out the weeds of fear, peace, love, truth and joy begin to flower; Light radiates out from your inner garden to all the world.
