Advent is a rich tradition for me and it begins with the Sunday four weeks before Christmas. Being raised as an Episcopalian there were guidelines on what Advent is all about – clearing out, getting still and preparing for the birth of Christ. For me, that means preparing for the rebirth/renewal of the sacred within, at my core. Those traditions live on for me strongly even though I attend a different denomination. I believe there are many paths to the Divine. Christianity built a strong foundation for my being a spiritual person and my connection with the Divine is what sustains me.

During the Second Half of our lives many, especially those who have “burned out” through their personality bent and their lifestyle, turn to deepening their spirituality. I am one of those women, however, my interest in spirituality began as a teenager. This season’s call for clearing out, has been and continues to be a spiritual practice for me and countless others.

A spiritual counselor shared recently in a sermon that we may try to prepare for a sacred holiday, however if inside we are a toxic waste dump of self-criticism and the resulting depression and/or anger, our attempts at being in harmony spiritually probably won’t bear lasting fruit. This reminder helps me reflect on relationships, attitudes, areas of irritation and/or pain to see what I can do to address those issues that take me out of alignment.

Coaches can be excellent collaborators in clearing out old beliefs and behaviors that are no longer working for us. And, if there are things in our past to deal with, counselors can be a significant help. I find myself blessed with excellent resources.

Whatever spiritual tradition or practice you choose, find one that clears out the old, prepares for the new and renews the Light within you.