Allow Your Soul Freedom
Taken at Wendy Addison's Studio in Port Costa, California - The Theatre of Dreams
'a golden moment' © Christy Hydeck
Much to the dismay of my Roman Catholic background, I'm not a particularly religious person. I have never been fond of the politics, backstabbing, hypocrisies, violence, orders and harsh judgements that are done in the name of religion. Many of these aspects have never quite made sense to me, and most likely - never will. I respect other peoples right to believe what they hold in their hearts, and ask that they extend that same courtesy to me. Freedom to believe. Love that.
Though religion baffles me a bit, I can easily say I am a woman of unfaltering faith and spirituality.
Some folks seem taken aback when they learn my personal views on organized religion, but they are just that - my own, personal views. They ring true to me, they ring true within me, and they are mine. I believe in a creator - label it however you like-whether it is God, Buddha, Jesus ... the list goes on - I don't have a name for it, I just know that deep within me it resonates that there is something out there. I soak in what surrounds me... I im in awe of beautiful skies, painfully vibrant flowers, landscapes that are so breathtakingly beautiful they couldn't possibly come from something that didn't encompass ... well, love. I believe in a creator, a God... just not religion.
I mentioned I was raised Roman Catholic, private schools - the whole shebang. My Gramma grew up in a convent during a period of her childhood, and religion was something she held onto dearly. The rituals, the prayers, the devout faith she held were always something I admired. Those same things that meant alot to her are still very precious to me. I thought today, I'd share a variation on one of my favorite prayers... hoping that it touches a few of you too.
St. Theresa's Prayer
May today there be peace within.
May you trust that you are exactly
where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are
born of faith in yourself and others.
May you use the gifts that you have received,
and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content with yourself
just the way you are.
Let this knowledge settle into your bones,
and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
-Chrysti
