Where are we now? How did this happen? I remember, growing up as a Roman Catholic in the Catholic school system, always starting off the day with the Lord's Prayer and the national anthem at school. This was followed by Grace before meals before we went our way for lunch, and sometimes (depending on the teacher), a prayer before we left school at the end of the day. Heck, I remember learning these prayers in French! The public schools also played the national anthem and had the option to recite the Lord's Prayer. All political meetings used to start off with a prayer as well.
This all happened until someone spoke up and protested that allowing God into the schools was discriminatory against those who do not pray to the God that the Lord's Prayer addressed. It was also discriminatory against those who did not even believe in God. As a result, many schools in Canada and the United States no longer cite any prayer prior to starting off the school day. The national anthem is the only thing that starts the day off. In Canada, I'm shocked that the line "God keep our land..." was not rephrased or taken out. After all, God is invoked here.
As we move into the Christmas season, it is quite apparent that the true meaning has been lost. The Catholic school system, as well as Christian private schools, work hard to instill the meaning into the children. Elsewhere, where God has been removed from the classrooms, children (who are not informed about the true meaning) only know that this season is all about shopping and receiving presents along with two weeks off school.
There is less tolerance to spirituality and religion. Chanukah is silently drawing to a close without any real form of acknowledgement except for the reminders that we encounter such as the Menorahs that are out in certain areas of the city, and some media messages passing on well wishes.
The photo that headlines this post was found on Facebook today. As many people around the world know, a terrible tragedy took place in Newtown, Connecticut at an elementary school where 20 students, and six teachers were mercilessly killed. We all ask "Why?" Many of the speculations that have taken place all relate to Gun Control. There have been many angry tweets and posts in the world of social media. Seeing this photo really clicked.
The lessons of Spirituality are missing from our lives. There is less tolerance to religious expression in our society. In fact, while the numbers of yoga practitioners are growing, the overall numbers are still too small. People who have practised yoga, or any other form of spirituality are more likely to live their lives with more compassion and mindfulness. I immediately think of different initiatives that are taking place around the world where the results really shine. Africa Yoga Project, Off the Mat and Into the World, Prison Yoga Project... These are just three examples where the spiritual aspect of yoga has helped to better the lives of those who participate and the lives of the communities served. I am always in awe when I hear the stories, and read accounts of these true, living examples.
My prayers go out to the victims of this senseless violence who no longer have the opportunity to live the life that was mapped out for them. All light goes to those families who no longer have that special child or heroic teacher to hug, to hold, and to express love to. It has been recognised that change is needed to put a stop to these senseless killings that have been taking lives throughout time. Time to forge on...
As tweeted by Oprah Winfrey @Oprah...
Dear Lord.. Help us to understand as we Stand with these families. Heal our broken hearts. #PrayForNewton
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