“I am one with the Force. The Force is with me.”
There is a reason that Chirrut Îmwe’s prayer is so powerful and touching to Star Wars fans. In few words, it expresses courage, serenity, faith, strength and trust. When he speaks it, he is steeled in battle, comforted in darkness, encouraged in the face of adversity, and at peace with his place in the universe.
I believe that this is an accurate and timely prayer for the New Year. Today, we are standing on the cusp of 2017. Behind us lays the past year, full of changes, both good and not-so-good. Before us stretches the brand new year, a blank slate of potential. You may be going into the new year with apprehension, or excitement, but whatever your feelings about this coming year, you are faced with the unknown. And that is frightening.
The past, even if it was uncomfortable, is familiar, and it’s tempting to want to hang on to the past. But unfortunately, we can’t stop time, and the New Year is a glaring benchmark of the future. Naturally, there is a certain measure of fear when beginning a journey into the unknown of the future. There may be danger, there may be joy, there may be peace, but when we take that first step into it, we are blind.
In our blindness, though, we can trust in the Force. Not the mystical, tangible power of Chirrut’s universe, of course, but the metaphysical ambience that flows through and connects all things. Or whatever your own personal understanding of the Force is. The importance is that you trust that the Force can guide you through whatever the New Year brings.
I am one with the Force. I am made of the same matter, the same physics, the same intent, as all of creation. I am an expression of the universe, united with all within it.
The Force is with me. I am not alone on my journey into 2017 - into the unknown. My Path is my own. I walk onwards with confidence and courage, guided by my faith, aided by my allies, and strengthened by my adversaries.
Consider taking some time to make your own prayer for the path ahead. Let it give you the conviction to face the coming year, whatever it may bring.
Happy New Year, and may the Force be with you always.
