The solstice is arriving, the eight days of Hannukah are beginning, and Christmas Day is approaching. Something universal in the human spirit is rising at this time to celebrate the light that defiantly, brightly shines--even now, in what is in the Northern Hemisphere the darkest time of the year. While the lights sparkle and rich aromas and melodies rise up, the cold bites and the body yearns to hibernate.
It can be one of the most wonderful, and, paradoxically, one of the most difficult times of the whole year. We are made to notice light and fullness, but also darkness and emptiness; we are reminded of our connectedness, but also of our aloneness.
Every person we love (including every person, alive now or not, who we have ever loved) awakens our recognition of the Universal Beloved, That which is the essence of all that is lovable and loving, the One from whom we can never be separated.
Giving gifts is a way to remind ourselves of love, to enact our gratitude, to express the spirit of generosity that is our only sanity.
And yet so is being quiet and still, and noticing the fullness that is always already present.
And so, of course, life requires us to choose again. To find our heart's "yes" to both light and darkness. To find a way to walk with love in this still only half-made world, this place where love is yet to fully take its hold.
May your heart find a way to practice this holiday season. May you find a way to notice the light in the darkness in every single body, to notice the non-separation that lets you reach across the gaps that face you!
- These words are attributed to Terry Patton - Beyond Awakenings - although I was unable to find the link on google. They are not my words, nevertheless, I whole heartedly agree with the sentiment. -
Happy Christmas, my beloved!
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