Honor in Giving

"No person was ever honored for what he received.

Honor has been the reward for what he gave."

Calvin Coolidge

At a very young age, I was introduced to Native American Culture and found myself to be instantly captivated. I watched how everyone seemed to honor all of nature and exhibited the same respect towards each other. Movement was slow until the dancing and drumming took place. Traditional dress and ceremonies resonated in my soul.

In the midst of a tribe, there seemed to be genuine acceptance with diverse opportunities to express oneself.  Young children were encouraged to share and women expressed themselves freely through ritual and artistic craft. Young men were individually encouraged and supported. And the elders, what kind old souls.

In Native American Culture, each member of a tribe found a special skill to be used for the good of each other, nature and spirits. Eyes were to the heavens, not on greedy schemes to pontificate one's ego. It is not surprising that the Spanish Conquistadors taught tribes how to scalp.  Such damage to the original peaceful people and their country. 

 

The Spirit of Christmas

"Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind.  To

cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is 

to have the real spirit of Christmas."

Calvin Coolidge

What one word would you choose to describe Christmas?  Would you need one word for the sacred aspect, another for the social, and one other for the family reflection?  Curious, would you choose from childhood or adulthood?  Is the association with your past or the present?  The word you pick, is it emotional, vibrational or colorful?  Do you laugh when you say it or do tears run down your face?

In addition to the descriptive word for Christmas, what emotional attachment do you have with the season?  Are there certain practices you have in December that are not recognized the rest of the year?  Do you anxiously await the holiday or do you anxiously await its passing?

To be fair, I will choose kindness for my one word in describing Christmas.  The depth of this word is rooted in every day of my life whether sacred or not.  Kindness extends as a hope throughout my existence.  Simple kindness is what I hope to bestow upon you and I so hope you will do the same.