How Many Licks Does It Take?

Finding my center.

In the midst of so much chaos, scarcity and fear lately, sometimes it’s hard to find our center. I am reminded of the owl trying to reach the center of the Tootsie Roll Tootsie Pop. He starts out counting his licks, but after 3, he gets impatient and crunches through to the center.

We, too, seem to need to find our center urgently.

One way I do that is by admitting to myself in any given moment how I really feel. Am I scared? Am I overwhelmed? Am I exhausted or fatigued? Am I terrified? Am I frustrated or angry? Whatever it is, once I acknowledge it and only after I’ve acknowledged it, I ask myself, “underneath these obvious and apparent feelings I am having, who am I?” When I have been really honest with myself about the feelings about my experiences and I allow myself to feel those feelings before asking, I almost unanimously get an answer, “you are peace” or “you are joy.” It’s pretty simple. I put my hand on my heart with gratitude to feel that soft, sweet center. I know who I am underneath all the strong and hectic emotions is love, is peace and is joy. It’s absolutely true.

Tonight, take a moment to put your hand over your heart and ask that which resides within you which is beyond name and form, “who am I?” Then wait. If you don’t immediately get an answer, ask yourself, “are there any feelings I have not been allowing myself to feel?” If there are, take the time to be with those feelings, being completely honest with yourself. Once you have given yourself this gift of acceptance for what you feel, go back and ask the question, “Beneath all these emotions, who am I? What am I?” This part needs to emerge. Let it come.

Bedtime Prayer About Finding My Center, April 20, 2022

I know that within the center of me lies something soft and sweet.

I am waiting for this part of me to speak.

I call to it gently in the night.

When it responds, I know I’m going to be alright.

So, I rest completely reassured.

My faith is restored as my feelings have been heard.

I am so grateful for what I have become.

In the heart of me, I know we are all one.

So, goodnight, my beloveds. Goodnight to everyone I know.

Sleep well, be blessed knowing this prayer is already so.

Amen.