So we have arrived once again at the height of the Holiday celebration, when expectations run high and nerves fray at the edges. In this lovely poem, For The Senses, John O’ Donohue offers guidance for navigating this joyous but hectic time of year.
This way demands that we slow down, watch, listen, wait.
May the touch of your skin
Register the beauty
Of the otherness
That surrounds you.
May your listening be attuned
To the deeper silence
Where sound is honed
To bring distance home.
May the fragrance
Of a breathing meadow
Refresh your heart
And remind you you are
A child of the earth.
And when you partake
Of food and drink,
May your taste quicken
To the gift and sweetness
That flows from the earth.
May your inner eye
See through the surfaces
And glean the real presence
Of everything that meets you.
May your soul beautify
The desire of your eyes
That you might glimpse
The infinity that hides
In the simple sights
That seem worn
To your usual eyes.
Let’s Radiate Peace
We may feel powerless in the face of the large and small hostilities tormenting our planet, but we are not. Peace, both individual and global, begins with us. When we embrace a spiritual path that brings tranquility to our hearts and minds, we are taking the first step toward bringing peace to the world. Inner calmness will create gentle speech and moral actions, and we will replace self-absorption and ill will with a genuine caring for others. As we bring these qualities to communications with our families and friends, people we work with, and those in public life who serve us, we radiate peace out into the world.
May my commitment to not harming others through my thoughts, words, and deeds inspire me to work to bring peace to all beings with whom I share this world. — Jean Smith in Now! The Art of Being Truly Present
May Your Holidays Be Blessed!
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep–you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace–you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness–you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation–you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death–you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful–you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
If you can hold someone’s hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder–you are blessed because you can offer healing touch.
If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all. — Successmark Cards
Have some lovely holidays and let’s be full of peace and gratitude Warriors!