At this time of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, I am reminded of two things: 1) to affirm and be grateful for the blessings of the Universe, knowing the sun brings its growing and healing power to the planet and to each person; and 2) to look past appearances to the true nature of reality, knowing that as we move into the height of the summer, of the heat, of the season, the days begin to shorten. These two things let me know that all is well, all is Good, all is Peace, all is Love, all is in Divine right order.

This force of life that we feel so strongly at this time of year reminds me that this Principle we call God is in us, and acts through us as us. I am grateful for that, knowing that the more fully I can accept that Principle, the more I am blessed. I do whatever I need to in order to be in touch with the Goodness of life, through music, through pets, through other people, through love, through creativity.

I withdraw attention from all that is unlike Goodness, from all that takes me away from knowing I am a God-child. I celebrate this day, this season, myself and my place in the Universe, and all others.

I recite this Buddhist prayer – may all beings be peaceful and happy, may all being be peaceful and happy, may all beings be peaceful and happy.

And so it is.

Marilyn O’Leary is a Practitioner at the Rio Grande Center For Spiritual Living, Albuquerque, New Mexico