Permission for Emotion

" ... there is still time to sink into the wisdom of the season

by making space for dreaming, honoring your ancestors,

or making something with your hands."

Kristen Roderick

The fall season tends to stimulate the creative abilities laying beneath the surface of our busy schedules. As the days tick by, the pressure of the holidays increase and materialism threatens to take over.  It takes effort to maintain the wisdom of our holidays.

Whether we tape a reddish gold leaf to our fridge or invest in a detailed collage, we will be more mindful of the purpose of our forthcoming days.  It doesn't require much time to gather a few photos of our great grandparents and a quick read on our heritage.  The country of origin might be displayed in specialty foods or ethnic decorations on the table.  

When we create with our hands, our minds embrace memories and our ancestors step in closer.  It shifts the holidays from purchases to a sense of oneness with our past and possible future.  As our family gathers, allow each person both young and old to share a memory, wish or gratitude.  Create a ritual by using numerous candles on the table urging others to light one as they feel moved to do so by the growing spirit around the table.  Grant permission for emotion to flow rathe than hidden in our hearts.