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| Musings on the Season |
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My email is not working, my computer is acting up, my
computer guru is MIA, the lights in my home office keep tripping the circuit
breaker, the plumber didn't fix the job...
On the seasonal front I have dawned my explorer apparel and have braved the
wilds of the shopping jungle searching for the elusive perfect gift -- for every
person on my list. I have begun to navigate the familiar as well as uncharted
territories of token- gifts (you know, the "Pollyanna" gift grab, the "secret
Santa", the small gift for friends, neighbors, petsitters, mail deliverers,
teachers, coaches, car poolers, etc.) I have wonderful plans for thoughtful
homemade gifts that would surely be well received. And I was supposed to have
some unique ideas for gift-giving to include in this newsletter in a
therapist-meets-Martha Stewart sort of vein.
And yet I'm sitting here in the dark struggling with this machine, compiling the
December newsletter 3/4 of the way into the month with Christmas just a few days
a way. I haven't decorated, haven't made my good-intention gifts, and am not
quite prepared to pull off the Martha Stewart-like thing.
In truth, I'm only one present shy of a full sleigh dangling over an icy
precipice. Okay. So thats a bit melodramatic. In fact it all makes me giggle. .
With all the complications of our modern, busy lives, the added responsibilities
and obligations of the holidays can often lead to stress- overload and
exhaustion. Haven't you heard (or perhaps spoken) a variation of "...just get
through the holidays..." ??? Hmmm..where did this conflict of celebration and
frenzy get to be so common place?
There are copious articles and books heralding buzzwords such as "simplify,"
"balance," "intention," "stillness," and "faith." All concepts that many of us
have pledged to integrate more fully into our lives. Concepts not necessarily
synonymous with our realistic experience during the holidays.
The overlap of the Christmas season and its current rituals with the ancient
people's winter solstice celebrations has long been of interest to me. When I
learned that "Solstice" derived from an ancient Latin word meaning "stop" or "to
stand still" it begged more investigation.
And so this season let’s honor our connection to the sky and to the ancient ways
still present and meaningful in our current lives. Reminding us how closely
connected our lives are to the orbs in the sky, to the natural rhythms of the
spinning sun and its impact on weather, food, and on our survival.
May peace be with you during this
holiday season.
Best wishes for a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Joyous Solstice!
Lisa Keutman
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