Every year at Christmastime I write a little inspirational piece about love, understanding and such things… and I’ll get to that in a minute. First, I want to take a peep under the Christmas tree as it were, and have a look at the shadow side of the season ~ so eloquently stated below by Rush, the Band, and personified, funnily enough, by folks like Rush, the Limbaugh:
Quick to judge
Quick to anger
Slow to understand
Ignorance and prejudice
And fear walk hand in hand
As we approach 2009, a year of profound hope and change, we will also bump against ignorance, prejudice and fear. So let us be mindful – when we see these shadow elements in ourselves and in others, let’s shine the light of acknowledgment and compassion upon them. This, after all, is what Christmas is about ~ light in the darkness, warmth in the winter, and hope’s ability to conquer fear. I am hopeful that those crippled by ignorance and poisoned by anger and fear will be healed, and that’s my deepest Christmas wish this year. So now, it’s on to the good stuff!
Christmas is a time of Remembrance and Gratitude for the most important things….
Abiding friendship (Anam Cara) ~ the kindness, fun, fidelity and understanding we share
Beauty ~ and the capacity to see it in all that is in and around us
Caring ~ for those we love and for those in need
Compassion ~ and the many times it is given and received
Generosity ~ of heart and resources
Hope ~ and the vitality it brings us
Joy ~ for all that makes us smile
Laughter ~ and the ways it lifts us
Light ~ in ourselves and in all sentient beings
Miracles ~ did you know you’re made of stars?!
Peace ~ “All we are saying is give peace a chance” ~ and we are!
Love ~ which envelops all these things and more…
Wishing you all these gifts, at Christmastime and all through the year.
Merry Christmas and Namaste!
