"Awake, awake, put on your strength, Awake, awake, put on your strength." ~Sounds of the Eternal, J. Philip Newell

I have been beginning my mornings and ending my days with listening to the prayers and chants found on this cd by J. Philip Newell. Plugged into my new lime green ipod, I allow the words to flow over me and gently find their way inside to a place of contemplation. Soon my muscles relax and my mind begins to slow down to be present only to the music. These become grace-filled moments.

Some days require more strength than others. My days lately have been filled with situations that ask me to be strong, to have peace of mind, to be present, fully present, so as to know what is the best path. Ever have those times?

As I listened this morning to this cello accompanied voice singing:"Awake, awake, put on your strength" I have to admit an image of Wonder Woman came to mind. You might remember how, when confronted with danger or the need to save the world, Linda Evans would begin her spinning motion that led her into her red, white and blue, Wonder Woman suit. Her wrists adorned with wide bracelets that deflected any evil energy coming her way, she set off to do right in the face of wrong. Some situations require much spinning and deflecting. Others demand a deep connection to what tethers us to the earth, to our soul.

The beautiful Scottish voice that delivered its chant to me this morning didn't ask me to spin or deflect. Instead it invited me to be still, to ground myself in a wisdom that is quiet and strong that resides within. As I rested in this music, I made the connection with Spirit that has awakened me to the strength that will guide my steps and inform my words. It was a good way to begin this warm, summer day and I feel that strength that is holding me with its gravity.

I'll hold onto its wisdom….but I won't rule out spinning if need be!