Present?

We are getting ready to one of the most important events in the year on our western world.  We are coming to the end of the calendar year.  These days can be so important physically and emotionally, but certainly spiritually.  ‘Tis the season for giving, celebrating, and welcoming new beginnings!

Yes, even in my older days these days are still full of significance.  In Christmas, Hanukah, etc, is all the symbolism of a spiritual rebirth.  Our western traditions pushes us to celebrate this rebirth.  We think of giving, sharing with loved ones, saying good bye to the old, and welcoming the new.

It is a special time of the year.  It is special because we think of all the many ways we can give thanks to the people we love.  It is the time of the year when we can take the time to plan out a special present, moment to show our gratitude towards the ones around us.  This is the time of the year where we extend our eyes beyond our family and friends to generously provide for others in need.  And this year has been a difficult year for many of us or around us.  Let’s give generously – from our heart. 

“What to give?” becomes our quest!  Simply, let us give time.  Should we start with ourselves?  Our inspiration and sincerity will become clear when our body and mind are connected, when we are in tune with who we are.  Take the time to stop, breath, reconnect.  Thus, our time with our loved ones, family or friends, will also be more significant.  Let’s give more of our time.  Real time.  Time is love.  Love is in demand.  We forget to be present, rather than to give presents.  It is the experiences shared in that time, not the price tag, the true gift.  Gifts are important, but maybe there is a most effective route to demonstrate our love.  A smile, a small note, a hand held, a time to listen, those are the memories that become gifts. 

I was recently reminded that love is the best healing gift you can offer to someone.  When we are able to spend time, to sit, and lovingly listen, then magical things happen.  God, Providence, Spirit, Mother Nature, Winter always, all ways invites us to tap into listening.  The entire city was invited to experience the beautiful and intriguing phenomenon of snow.  It only took a few minutes for me to be outside and just stand in awe…and listen.  I could truly listen through the silence of Nature.  It was in that moments that I experienced that internal conversation.  Those seconds were sufficient to become aware of that internal fire inside of me – that strength that gives, welcomes, experiences, forgives, empathizes, celebrates.  It is in that spirit that we find our fortitude to offer that peace to someone else.  I had to turn to a total stranger and share the moment of snow, quietness, joy!

We are always reminded, ‘Tis the season to give; to give of one Self.