To nourish your mind as well as your body

Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding.

-Mahatma Gandhi

Saturday, December 12, 2009

My favorite season



It's that time of year again. The air has that delicious bite of chill that sends a shiver down my spine and a spurt of warmth into my heart. It makes me want to wear three sweaters, hunker down in my kitchen, and cook like there's no tomorrow. Everywhere I look, I am reminded of just how wonderful people can be. I am so very blessed to have good friends, old and new, and a fountain full of love to splash around in this holiday season.

Whatever your religious beliefs, is there anything more energizing and exciting than this time of year? Nature is reminding us that another year has come to a close. Now is the time to think back on everything that has passed since the last time we shivered this much; to be thankful for what we have loved and to change what has hurt us.

This is the season of Giving. Can you imagine? An entire month, from November 25th to December 25th, specifically devoted to being grateful for the gifts in our lives and repaying them by giving to others? An entire season of celebrating togetherness? How fantastic is that?

There have been several traditions at work around the winter season. To name a few:
Christmas, a story of new birth and new hope; Hanukkah, a tale of victory and faith; Bodhi Day, a celebration of enlightenment; Kwanzaa, a tribute to harvest and cultural identity; and Saturnalia, a festival of joy, gift giving, and playfulness. All positive, hopeful festivals of light and community. In a time of year that is darker and colder than any other, humans come together to celebrate the strength they have when they all work together.

Let us be kinder, let love be contagious, let forgiveness abound, let giving be a yearlong philosophy, and let dreams be immeasurable.

Happy Holidays!

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