Party

      Now you might think it strange to see the word party on a spiritual site.. We all know that parties range from the known and common birthday party to the type described as "I partied all night". It is a group of people who come together to celebrate, whether it is to commemorate a person or an occasion or to just have a good time. Sometimes we see that there is a church party, and people gather and usually are somewhat restrained but share a common purpose.

      When people get together to party, it can sometimes go a little flat ....perhaps the individuals don't quite mix well or some aspect of the party is a little disappointing. There are other reasons as well such as people not feeling well, or the host or hostess is not adept at keeping things moving along.

      It seems that when we gather in a spiritual group that we tend to think of the atmosphere as something that should be restrained or "proper", yet the sharing of one's personality, one's laughter, or interest can be a fun thing that changes the atmosphere of the room. This energy is multiplied as the sharing increases and can truly be a wonderful time. It is too seldom we see groups who are truly sharing. There is too much individualism, perhaps too much of self interest, and the group energy doesn't gather together.

      Joy is not expressed on earth as much as it should be. Laughter is a healing thing. Laughter and joy can release emotional burdens and can be as a cleansing to the body, the mind, and the spirit. Some people can turn a party into a lively experience or circle the energy throughout the room just by being themselves. Perhaps we too often have a set idea of what a good time or a party should be like and are disappointed if there isn't enough food, or music, or decor or whatever one's expectation is to have a good time. A party doesn't always have to be loud, it doesn't always have to have the usual expected ingredients. A party can be sharing, foremost, sharing with each other, and in that sharing, there is a group energy that can not only stay afterwards but stick in the memory and be remembered long afterwards. The other ingredient to a good party is being yourself. Too often we see people put on a facade or a mask when around other people. No one wants to bare one's soul or be too vulnerable with others, but if there is an openness toward others, then there will be better communication. With good communication and openness there is light expressing itself and with light there comes a feeling that one's spirit is lifted. Reach out to others, share your light with others, and enjoy the companionship that comes with a group sharing.