September Resources - The Best Time of Life: Sandra’s Story

27 Oct

Peace Sangha,

Here are the resources for September. You will find selected excerpts from the book Transitioning in Grace, inspired by the Chapter 10: The Best Time of Life: Sandra’s Story.

Reflection - Sandra’s Healing Courage

Sandra’s story invites us to reflect on what it truly means to be a healer. Healing is not always about changing another person’s circumstances or taking away their suffering. Sometimes, healing can simply mean being present, offering love, creating peace, and helping someone feel that they are not alone.

As ministers, we may be called to sit beside someone during one of the most important transitions of their life. Our presence, our prayers, our words, and our ability to remain centred in Divine Love can become a quiet form of service.

Sandra’s story also reminds us that a person can continue to give spiritually, even during the final chapter of their earthly life. Her wish to be a healer was fulfilled in an unexpected way — through the spiritual help others experienced simply by being in her presence.

Take a moment to reflect on this:

What does it mean to be a healing presence?

How can I bring greater peace, love, and Divine awareness into the presence of someone who is suffering or approaching the end of life?

Can I remain present without trying to fix, control, or change what is happening?

Allow yourself to sit quietly with these questions.

Words from Swami Kriyananda to Reflect On

There are several words and phrases from Swami Kriyananda’s letter to Sandra that can be especially meaningful for a minister working with someone who is approaching transition.

“I am very much there by your side in spirit and in consciousness.”

Reflect on the power of spiritual presence. We may not always be able to change what someone is experiencing, but we can offer our loving presence, our prayers, and our consciousness.

“Don’t be afraid of what is to come.”

These words invite us to consider how we can help create an atmosphere of peace rather than fear. When someone is frightened, our own inner stillness can become an important part of the support we offer.

“Leave those burdens behind you.”

Reflect on the possibility of releasing what has been carried for a long time — worries, fears, regrets, and emotional burdens. As ministers, we can gently support a person without adding to those burdens.

“Absorb yourself in thoughts of the freedom and light that will soon be yours.”

The words freedom and light offer a beautiful focus for contemplation. What might it mean to help someone turn their attention towards the Light, love, and spiritual freedom?

“There will be many more angels waiting to receive you and bless you on the other side.”

These words offer an image of love, companionship, and spiritual support beyond this earthly life. Whether experienced as a deeply personal belief or as an image for contemplation, they invite us to reflect on the possibility that transition need not be approached alone.

“We are a spiritual family.”

These words remind us of our connection with one another. As ministers, we are part of a spiritual family, and our role is not simply to serve another person, but to walk beside them with love, compassion, prayer, and Divine awareness.

“I pray, especially, for your realization in God.”

Perhaps one of the deepest reflections for a minister is to remember that our ultimate prayer for another person is not simply for comfort or physical healing, but for the persons realization in God.

Take a few moments of silence and allow these words to settle within you.

Which words speak most deeply to your heart?

Which words would you want to carry with you when supporting someone through a time of transition?

May these words of wise counsel bless you this month.

Click the link to download Transitioning in Grace Group Flow for September

Click the link to download Transitioning in Grace Resources for September