Just Be ...

"We are so busy being doers, 

we have no time just to be."

 Tenzin Palmo

December may be the busiest month of the year. There is so much we want to do and in spite of careful planning, over commitment absorbs every spec of our time. We find ourselves in places we have no desire to be but attend out of obligation.  We do not want to hurt other people's feelings, so we trample on our own.

Repeatedly, we ask others, "What do you want?" This is a question we ought to be asking ourselves, but perhaps it sounds too selfish. Maybe we yearn for a hot cup of tea to be enjoyed in silence or a brief slice of time to finish our book. It may be as simple as wanting to just sit and stare at our tree or light the menorah. 

Whatever holiday we are celebrating, there needs to be a time for reverence. Are we moving so quickly that the connection between our core beliefs and practice is lost? We can quietly sit to recall a favorite script from the Torah or Bible or Spiritual manual. Implement the passage into the day so you can just be. 

Stick Together

"Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, 

but just look what they can do

when they stick together."

Vesta M. Kelly

People recognize a snowman without needing a specific language or descriptive message. Snowmen change in appearance, but we still know they are snowmen. Some have hats, a carrot nose, and coal for eyes. Then there are branches for arms. But no matter how they have been assembled, one knows a snowman when we see him!

Snowmen can be a duplicate of the past or a modern version from a Disney film. They stimulate all kinds of emotions from giggles to belly laughs. If they have been part of our making, we will experience feelings of sadness as they melt away. There even may be an act of tenderness cleaning up before children return to play.

Sipping hot cocoa, we may find ourselves reminiscing about the joint effort of creating the snowman. We may quiet the mind to recapture the sound of laughter and teasing. One can recall the discussions about which was the right hat or gloves or buttons. Memorable creations made peacefully together based on the capability of man.  

Need to Stop!

"When we are no longer able to change a situation,

we are challenged to change ourselves."

Viktor Frankl

Emotionally investing in others is a part of the spiritual path, but not at the cost of neglecting the self. There is such a thing as giving too much, becoming a rescuer and hoping to change the course of disappointment. Then there is the question of ego. Are we investing for a particular outcome to benefit the self?

Through our own perspective we see things not going quite right. Misguided into thinking we are helping, we basically manipulate. We can become obsessed and find our lovely selves ruminating over situations we have no control. There is danger in saving someone which then deprives them of his or her lesson.

If it is our perspective that something is not aligned, we have choice to change our reaction, investment, and participation. There are times when our absence can speak louder than words. Sometimes, we simply need to stop. Boundaries, both ours and others, need to be positioned, respected, and honored. 

 

Solitude in Snow

 

"Solitude is a silent storm that breaks down all our dead

branches: yet it sends our living roots deeper into

the living heart of the living earth."

Kahlil Gibran

And I am here again, drenched in loneliness that even though heavy, does not even begin to keep me warm. I wander across the snow ladened land captured by my frozen thoughts and broken by my cold heart. I embody solitude filled with my passion for writing and creative efforts. It is loneliness that breaks my spirit.

There can be discovery in solitude, a self-awakening. Without worldly distractions, I can become one with my spirit and feel my soul fly. Then eventually without a sense of connection, being alone can rip solitude apart. Questions without accompanying answers plague my quietude.

When I return to the solitude of nature, walk upon the ground, listen to the birds and small animals, I begin to remember who I am. It is in the midst of trees that connection with the earth grows so strong that I am willing to return and face life once again. Knowing I can overcome this sense of despair, I find words to usher me back home. 

Cold Moon

 

"There are nights when the wolves are silent and

only the moon howls."

George Carlin 

The last full moon of this year is upon us beaming down its energy to help resolve the disturbances that occurred in November. In the last month, self-doubt, scars from the past, and fear ramped through our days. That which we had been hiding, surfaced waiting to be resolved once and for all.

The energy from the Cold Moon supports our decision to release old patterns, unsupportive people, and emotional webs that trap us. It helps us be propelled into fresh new territory where we can better define who we are, what we want, and fresh inspiration. A new beginning is bursting within us. 

Let us use this time to release what was and redesign what is yet to come. We have one month remaining before the New Year is ushered in. Gently collect the truth of who we are and integrate that knowledge into a new plan to be applied in the forthcoming year. The Cold Moon is calling us to be prepared for orchestrating dreams come true. 

Between Courage and Fear

"Courage comes by being brave;

fear comes by holding back."
Publilius Syrus

We are barely into December and too soon there are rumbles in our emotional makeup. Whether decorating our space or forging out to purchase gifts, right below the surface there is a growing angst. Being able to identify it is not as important as positive action. Moving forward, trusting in the self, reduces fear. 

Although the world or community surrounding us seems chaotic, we can choose to remain stable by maintaining practices, rituals and simple self-care. Notice where you are and who you are with when feeling insecure. Discern if there is truth in the criticism and if so, intend to adjust accordingly.

It is said that the only person we can change is our self. So, investing time in others hoping for them to change, is not as productive as tending to corrective measures with our own self. Maybe it is time to meet our own needs, to love the uniqueness of our spirit, and to shine brightly for others to see. 

 

Towards the Light

"Hope is being able to see that there is light

despite all of the darkness."

Desmond Tutu

Darkness surrounds us and therein we learn lessons, visions, and insights. One must remember, however, to look up towards the light as it is the destination we are meant to achieve. Gathering life experiences in the dark, enhances the experience of living in the light.  

In the midst of darkness, a quiet presence can be instrumental in grasping what is to be learned. Whether a nod from a spirit guide, a gentle touch from a friend, or words of wisdom, we receive support. It is helpful to be touched by hope as we remember we are not in this alone.

When we fall back into darkness, we must cast our eyes up towards the light. For it is the light that reminds us that we are worthy of relationships where we can be accepted and loved. Through connection with those who are filled with light, we begin to see our lovely reflection once again.     

Behind the Veil

"Lift the veil that obscures the heart, and there you will find

what you are looking for."

Kabir

To hide behind a veil may at first feel safe, but in time it will feel like the repression of a heavy blackened sky. Beneath the veil, we may hide our truth, disguise our fears and stunt our skill. In the creases of the veil, we may feel safe. One day, however, the veil will be lifted, and the face will be lit by the moon. 

When the veil has been lifted, old patterns will be exposed, and we will be beckoned to find a new way. Although we will feel vulnerable, our strength can be fed as it propels us out of harm's way. We were never meant to be hidden ... not then, not now, not ever. Believe in the skills at hand and proceed.

Listen for guidance leading to a deeper way of living. Instead of hiding, explore the unknown. Hear the truth hiding in the heart, and do not be dismayed. Stay in the moment, not fearing what is beyond the bend. Authentically respond to each day on the journey and your heart will find its way.