What now?

I’ve noticed a subtle build up of awkward tension increasing as we moved closer and closer to today. We don’t know what to do -- especially in New York City. Should we go out? Should we stay home? Should we go pray? Should we just cry? The discomfort lies in not knowing what is the “proper” or the “right” thing to think or do.

A sage once said, “When you don’t know what to do, do what you know to do.” I know we need to love. I know we need to focus on peace. I know we need to grow.

If you feel like going to dinner with your friends tonight, go. And be grateful for having these people in your life. If you want to spend time with your spouse and/or family tonight, go for it. And embrace the love you share for one another. If you want to go pray at a religious service tonight, please do it. And connect with your Creator. If you want to cry tonight, cry. And feel for all the voices that were silenced on that one tragic day.

The meaning of any event is dictated solely by the meaning we give the event. 9/11 can be a day of startling devastation that shows us that no one is safe and that life is disposable. Plenty of people have chosen this meaning to represent this day. However, 9/11 can also be a day of REAWAKENING -- a day where we consciously hold life’s precious morsels of truth in our hands and vow never again to let go. It can be a day that marks a new beginning where each moment is sacred and where life is about love and peaceful coexistence. What is 9/11 going to mean to you?

Today, we need to take a step back, be nice to people, consciously breathe, love deeply, think inspiringly, live boldly, and stay present right now in this very moment. It’s a day to focus on the service of others; to give unselfishly; to share your love; to connect deeply with those around you. Your seemingly small actions have the power to transform the world today and here on out.

The magical lyrics of John Lennon’s “Imagine” seem like an appropriate way to end today’s message:

Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No Hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Love and Happy Journeys to all of you!

Scott Jeffrey