December 2023
A Rainbow of Peace and Hope
Listen to the audio version by Dorothy
It's December, the time of special Christmas music and busy days when many of us are scurrying here and there with to-do lists too long for each day's duration. So, for a few minutes, please give yourself a gift of calm as I share this inspirational message of peace and hope, a mythical tale about how the colours of the rainbow came together. I received it many years ago and it always comes to mind when I see a magical rainbow in the sky.
Once upon a time, long long ago, the colours of the world started to quarrel, all claiming that each one was the most important. Green said "I am the sign for life and hope, I was chosen for grass and trees." Blue interrupted, reminding them that it was the sea and sky that brought peace. Yellow chuckled: "I bring laughter, gaiety and warmth into the world, and without me there would be no fun." Orange reminded them that she provided beautiful orange vegetables and filled the sky with dazzling sunrises and sunsets. Then Red shouted that he was the ruler and represented bravery, passion and the red rose, whereupon Purple asserted that he had Royal status, so people listened and obeyed. Quietly, but determined, Indigo said they would be superficial without her, as she provided silence and balance.
As they continued their loud boasting, each convinced of their superiority, there was a flash of bright lightening! Thunder rolled and boomed! Rain poured down relentlessly! The colours crouched down, fearful. Then Rain spoke: "You foolish colours, fighting amongst yourselves, trying to dominate one another. Don't you know that you are each unique and different, made for a special purpose? Join hands with one another. From now on, when it rains, each of you will stretch across the sky in a great bow of colour as a reminder that you can all live in peace. The rainbow will be a sign of hope for tomorrow.
(Original author unknown)
What a perfect reminder of the value of community, of working together in partnership, instead of being a lone ranger. Please reflect on the strengths that make you unique, and know your life is extraordinary. If stuck, or hurting, let's have the courage to reach out to another. It means being willing to ask for support, and then being willing to accept it, neither of which is natural for many of us. But the gift, when we do, is a win-win, as not only do we receive, but we allow another to give.
Listening to another can be the greatest gift that we share. One of my favourite authors, the late John O'Donohue, wrote about listening compassionately and creatively to the hidden silences, as often secrets are not revealed in words, they lie concealed in the silence between the words. Yesterday I was volunteering for Hospice at our local mall and was partnered with someone whom I had not previously met. For three hours, between passers-by who stopped to donate, we shared stories that were joyful and enriching.
As we go forward to bring closure to our year of 2023, please stay curious and open to new experiences with hope and trust in your heart for their messages, especially the ones that, in hindsight, pushed your comfort zone but ultimately reminded you how resilient you are. Perchance, a few weeks ago, readying to start writing my annual overseas Christmas letter, I re-read the one of 2004 after my life drastically shifted, about learning the many creative uses of duct tape and how a piece of cardboard enabled my screen door to lock! Twenty years later, I continue to have duct tape on hand - and keep on learning new 'how-to's, often through necessity, or with another's support!
Let's bring our story to mind when we next see a rainbow, remembering it as a sign of hope and peace. Perhaps join me, in the quieter days and hours before we say farewell to 2023, to reflect upon and appreciate your year - the new people you met, new and continuing experiences, and those who supported you during the most challenging of times.
I thank you for the joy and the privilege of journeying with me. May the return of the light and the quiet beauty of this Special Season bring you the warmest of memories. Blessèd be to you ... Namasté!
Dorothy B.
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Rev. Dorothy Blandford, Ph.D
Apt. 202 - 1655 Martin Drive
Surrey, BC, V4A 6E1, Canada
604-535-9016
info@innisfreespirit.com