May your outer dignity mirror an inner dignity of soul. This poem by the late John O’Donohue is so alive and beautiful, and it is perfect for the start of the year (though how can we already be nearing the end of January?). We have so much power inside of ourselves, every one of us. What can we do to tap into the call of our gifts (or what Howard Thurman might call the “sound of the genuine”) to break through the noise all around us and follow our unique path on a shared road to more dignity for all? I am learning the power of presence, of quiet, of listening not only to the voice we are here to serve, but to the wise voices from past generations that live inside. To find that place of quiet requires presence, quiet, wonder, paying deep attention, finding a moment of beauty in the chaos. Ultimately, we will transform the world only when we are brave enough to transform ourselves. And if uncertain times make that feel harder than ever, so do they make the quality of presence and of listening more important.