One of the great scriptures of India, the Shiva Sutras, says that the successive stages of the spiritual path are full of wonders. This has certainly been true in my experience, and continues to be so, in ever-expanding ways. Although the outward appearance of my spiritual practices has changed and shifted over the years, the experience of the Divine Presence remains the same.

During a sacred visitation, a moment of Sacred Awareness, I feel that my best and dearest Friend is near. At these moments Im completely fulfilled, blessed beyond measure. The very air seems charged with magnificence, and I sense the vastness of the One at the center and origin of All That Is. As my friend John Baxter would say, Not bad!

All faiths acknowledge the sacred Presence. Wise folks approach it with reverence and humility, knowing only that its possible to learn from It if we listen for hints and lessons. Spiritual seekers make a practice of responding to Its challenges with gratitude for a fresh, new opportunity rather than with irritation that our apple carts upended again.

As the world stage grows ever largeras disasters, wars, famine and disease enter insistently into our living roomswe who are seeing these events unfold feel increasingly connected to one another by the sheer fact of our humanity. Though we may not ever have met a Shiite Muslim, what heart can remain numb at the sight of a fathers face wracked with sobs as he kneels near the body of his child, felled by a bomb? That suffering face is our face, and the compassion that arises is the key to remaining truly human, whatever our faith or religion.

During the day, again and again Im reminded of these words of Jesus of Nazareth: Blessed are the peacemakers. Who are the peacemakers, if not those who seek peace by means of spiritual practice and the expansion of inner wisdom? Who are blessed, if not those who have tasted the deep peace of Gods grace? If we know the value of peace and blessings, if we know the value of prayer and compassion to heal and uplift hearts, then we are extremely fortunate. Knowing what I now know through experience of the Divine Presence, having felt and seen the majesty that exists within the human heart (not just in mine but in every single human heart) the pain of estrangement from others is no longer worth it. No matter how heinous anothers past acts may be, my experience remains that, at the core of that being pulsates the spark of divinity. No, I dont like everybody. But this knowledge of Whats Within Everybody keeps me from losing hope. The contemplation has become: How can I keep my heart open and soft toward others, while remaining worldly wise and skillful enough to continue to be of service? How do I allow compassion to pulsate within, and remain strong enough to make a contribution with the life given to me? And, with grace, answers do come.

Ive concluded that Sacred Awareness Inspires Noble, True Service. Hence the name of my newsletter: SAINTS. As you practice sacred awareness and compassion grows, you become both deeply compassionate toward others and strong in skillful means. Both tenderhearted and tough. And with such great strengtha strength grounded in unwavering peacetrue service is readily expressed through your life and work. Not because youre special, but because this is the natural state of a human being who is Aware of the Sacred!

May our love for each other continue to grow. May our sincere efforts to love teach us the true nature of love.