Serenity, Courage, Wisdom

Growing up, I had very little time for thoughts of faith or what I considered spirituality. When I thought of those terms, all that came to mind was the rigidity and blind faith that I equated with traditional religion. I did not feel drawn to the beliefs or practices of the church, and therefore, I assumed I was someone who did not need spirituality in my life.  Oh, how times have changed.

It's not that I am now a regular at a local parish, or that I silently pray before turning in at night. Where I have felt a shift is in my understanding of what spirituality can look like and in allowing myself to remain open to the idea of greater powers being present in our lives. 

Part of my spirituality includes daily meditation where I let go and follow a guide who helps me unwind the questions and thoughts that are often knocking around in my head.  I feel grateful to have found some teachers who post free guided meditations online and have a short list of favourites that I return to.  One that I have been following recently centres on change, and incorporates the Serenity Prayer as a starting point for the meditation.

        Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
        The courage to change the things I can, and
        The wisdom to know the difference.

The Serenity Prayer appeals to me in its simplicity, and also in its focus being upon the person reciting it.  There is an implied request to be granted serenity, courage, and wisdom, but there is no specific being to whom this request is being directed toward.  The meditation provides a space to consider the application of these traits in our daily life - learning to let go of the many aspects of life we cannot control, being brave enough to recognize and act when we can make an impact, and most importantly, the ability to discern between the two.  

The Serenity Prayer has been serving as an important reset for me lately - as I move through some change I appreciate being reminded of the fact that although I would love to have full control over my choices and the eventual outcomes, that is not the way it works.  Letting go of wanting to make choices based on outcomes I desire allows me to make decisions based on what I know now, and what my future vision is, recognizing that vision may or may not come true exactly as I see it today.  It also implores me to get off my butt and make hard decisions instead of allowing my uncertainty about future outcomes to bog me down in what-ifs.  It brings the control back by allowing me to look at an issue and decide where I can and cannot exercise control, so I never feel like I am just winging it and hoping for the best.  


   

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