Welcome to Living Vision 2013! Our small, intimate spiritual community continues to offer a unique alternative to those seeking authentic connection to the Divine. During the Tuesday nights of January, we are exploring Celtic Spirituality with the great John O'Donohue as our guide. O'Donohue is an extraordinary Irish poet and theologian, and we're beginning each Tuesday night with 10-15 minutes of his CD series "Anam Cara."

Tonight, January 8, we used O'Donohue's teaching on Solitude vs. Loneliness as our contemplative focus. His image of the hearth that is deep in each person's heart/soul is a powerful metaphor of the profound welcome and grace that awaits all who plumb the depths of our soul in and through the silent practices. We pondered and discussed the notion that "we will never find outside ourselves that which we most need." We also considered his contention that "solitude allows us to rediscover our own beauty...a coming home to our own deepest belonging." Finally, we wrestled with the almost unfathomable notion that "in solitude we can be more at the heart of our true belonging than in any social situation or in any relationship."

Our twenty minute silent contemplation was, as always, a deep gift to each of us. Being silent together is radically different and infinitely more powerful than tackling this discipline on one's own. We invite you to join us as we continue our exploration and experience of Celtic spiritual teaching next Tuesday, Jan 15 and on each of the Tuesdays in January. EVERYONE is welcome at our Tuesday evening spiritual practice sessions, regardless of religious background or theological perspective. We meet at Yoga Roots at 444 E. Mitchell St. in Petoskey. For more information contact tobyjones48@gmail.com.

Grace & Peace - Toby