December 2009

“What would you do if you knew you were enough just as you are today,

if you knew – really knew –

you were in your essential nature a compassionate, gentle being

capable of being fully present with yourself and the world? 

Would you trust yourself more?”

                                                                        ~ Oriah Mountain Dreamer

                                                                          The Dance

This is the month, the season, of giving.  In many cultures, traditions, and religious observations, friends and families take time to find ways to express and to celebrate the riches that are in their lives.  For some, the expression is the lighting of candles.  For others, it is praise and glory for a universal force perceived as bigger than themselves.  Some find the compassion to reach into their wallets or their hearts to bring moments of delight to others.  Meals, gifts, and love are shared more often during December than any other time of the year.  Strangers willingly extend a hand to another in need and family members who have been estranged find new ways to bridge the emotional gap – if only for a dau or two.  For many, there are memories made that are precious and long-lasting.

There are countless others, on the other hand, for whom this holiday season is painful and overwhelming.  They experience sadness, grief, and loneliness.  They find themselves feeling depleted or hopeless.  The rigors of day to day existence, of work and family responsibilities, of managing dis-ease or dis-comfort, have become forces that appear to be unmanageable.

This is the month…the season, however, of giving.  

What can you give to those countless ‘others’ whose lives know little joy…the gift of  yourself perhaps?

During my life’s journey many teachers have stepped onto my path.  They have shared their knowledge and their wisdom.  I have learned from both their words and their actions.  Some of them I have immediately revered.  Others have stopped me ‘in my tracks’ as my perception of their lack of compassion, integrity, or kindness with another human being seemed disrespectful at best.  Yet, today, in retrospect, I find a similar reverence for those ‘teachers’ as well.  They reflected to me exactly what I needed to remember at that point in my life.  Kindness and respect cost nothing.  A smile or an expression of thanks requires only an exchange of energy… the gift of one’s self.  Sending love to someone whose burdens appear personally devastating has no price tag.

From an energetic perspective, I believe that we must give what we wish to receive in this human existence.  Balance is critical to experiencing inner peace and joy.  You – or I – cannot take more than we give, nor can we give more than we take - to be in balance.  It’s a figure 8 – turned on its side!  It is a wave of energy that extends from me to you – or you to me.  As our energetic fields entangle, the thoughts and emotions become intertwined.  They are energy-in-motion.  They 'intermingle' at one critical juncture and thus are cumulatively returned to us both. 

Suppose my expressions of love meet your own similar affectionate thoughts. Ah, the force of that collective energy will very likely warm both of our hearts!  If, however, the manifestation of love from either you or me is met by thoughts of fear or resistance, the love returned to each of us will be diminished, perhaps even extinguished.  Far more challenging a situation will occur if both of us send waves of fear or confrontation forth.  The resulting energetic effect may create mutual discomfort, dislike, or even emotional chaos!

Now, let’s imagine the energetic influence that continual expressions of loving kindness could have if each of us shared such emotions freely throughout this season?! 

What if, after your groceries were bagged, you thanked the cashier for her cheerful demeanor?  What if, upon receiving your newspaper, you expressed your gratitude for a timely daily delivery?  What if, after a morning greeting at the office, you shared how that kind expression had lifted your spirits?  What if, upon stepping from the bus, you thanked the driver for a safe ride?  What if the door that you held for a stranger was the kindest action in their day?  What if your smile was the only one that was received by one – or all - of those that you encountered?

What if the gift of you was the greatest gift that you could give to another this holiday season?  It requires nothing more than that you tap into the energy of your heart and send it forth. 

Now, imagine that the energetic force of your loving kindness is powerful enough to momentarily dispel emotions of fear in another…to offer hope to the hopeless…to comfort the lonely….to lift the despondent?  What if you really knew that your compassionate, gentle self could be fully present with another – even for just a moment – to change their life?

The joys of this season are everywhere!  Despite our gloomy economy, I still believe that happiness has not vanished from the world.  It may be buried deep beneath the clutter of our busy lives, but we can dig it out, dust it off, and share the best of what we find within with friends and family.  We can offer a hand, a gentle hug, or a smile to a stranger.  You and I can make this season of giving the best that it has ever been - for all of us – just by sharing the gift of ourselves.

I wish you gentle peace and the warmest of blessings this holiday season!

*Celebrate the Winter Solstice at 12:47 pm EST on Monday, December 21st.

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