Authenticty

What does it mean to be truly authentic in these times? 

Last week we sat around the sacred fire

with the purpose of AUTHENTICITY

in a circle of prayer

in the middle of the desert

on this land

which truly feels like it is in the middle of a civil war. 

The opinions here in Israel are so divided

people are hurting so much

grieving so deeply

and still I carry the light of hope

for a better future for us all. 

Each of the conversations I have with my Palestinian brothers 

is fuel to the fire of promise

for the future that we dream of

to become our present. 

I can’t help but think that 

if each of us could be a bit more authentic

everywhere on this planet

if we could give a bit more expression to our true selves

then our world would be different. 

When I really look at myself

and explore what prevents me from being authentic

I meet my fears. 

How can I traverse the territory of my fear

to be my authentic self? 

How can I generously share the love in my heart

without fear? 

What am I even afraid of? 

That I will be judged? Disliked? Threatened? 

My prayer

is to resist the fear

to embrace the love

and to be real.

May we all feel safe 

to be ourselves

to share our unique gifts

and bring our special light into the world. 

I notice that I have a special way of helping others do just that

discover, share and amplify 

the unique light inside of ourselves.