DEAR FRIENDS,
Winter, with days shorter, cooler and quieter, is a period of time primed for reflecting and collecting. It is a time to coccoon. It is a time for nourishment and self-care. It is a time to do less, and be more.
- Penn Program for Mindfulness, Winter 2020
I appreciate the words above from a recent email from the Penn Program for Mindfulness. “A time to do less and be more” comes in sharp contrast to what some of the busy -even hectic days- during the holiday, at times feel, like to me. This year the reflecting may bring about unwanted or sad feelings*… as we remember past holiday seasons of gathering with loved ones, which may be different this year. This makes the suggestion of nourishment and self-care that much more important. The following are some suggestions to bring warm light to this time of year and throughout the winter.
reach out to a family member or friend with whom you have not connected in awhile.
take a hot bath
enjoy a walk in a natural setting - daily
invite a friend to walk with you
hug a puppy or kitten
gently hug those whom you can safely
do some gentle yoga movement daily
read something nourishing
take a break from technology - all of it ocassionally
limit the news - from all sources
watch a light, entertaining movie
limit social media (except to keep up with family members)
write a holiday card to a loved one or distant friend
write in your journal
surround your self with light [possibly a light for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)]
note gratitude at the end of the day
listen to Christmas hymns or enjoyable music
play with a young friend (or relative)
cook a healthy meal; comfort food
rest
sleep
drink water
make a holiday craft with a young friend and their parent
When I have no eyes for the small signs of God's presence - the smile of a baby, the carefree play of children, the words of encouragement and gestures of love offered by friends - I will always remain tempted to despair. - Henri Nouwen
In the christian tradition, this past Sunday marked the beginning of the church year and the beginning of Advent. The period of waiting leading up to Christmas Day; God in Christ coming to earth- a human baby.
A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him. - Isaiah 11:1-2
…the promise is hidden in the shoot that sprouts from the stump, a shoot that hardly anyone notices. - Henri Nouwen
May we sit with gratitude in this present moment. This moment, right now. When our minds wander in distraction, worry, fear and anxiety- may we welcome all of these things as part of our experience in this moment right now. And may we gently bring our attention back to this moment, this stillness. This breath. May we hold it all.
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love,
No not just for some but for everyone.
Lord, we don't need another mountain,
There are mountains and hillsides enough to climb
There are oceans and rivers enough to cross,
Enough to last till the end of time.
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love,
No, not just for some but for everyone.
Lord, we don't need another meadow
There are cornfields and wheat fields enough to grow
There are sunbeams and moonbeams enough to shine
Oh listen, lord, if you want to know.
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love,
No, not just for some but for everyone.
No, not just for some, oh, but just for everyone.
Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David in 1965
Sung by Dionne Warwick in this YouTube video in 1966
Enjoy your week!
With gratitude,