4 December 2015
And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. ~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince
Coming to enjoy Christmas continues to be an ongoing process for me. It’s a process of growing out of insecurities about doing things ‘right’, working to tame some of the critical voices that press me to get with the program, to measure up. As I manage to quiet these voices that come from the desire to fit in, I realize there is an inner guidance just waiting to help. Another inner voice, one with wisdom, willing to help me be more present and genuine.
I’ve resented this holiday for years, but now it is giving me a huge gift as I lean into exploring these old attitudes and open the boxes to new ideas. I’m pleased about laying down the battle to make myself conform and focusing instead on ways I can nourish and celebrate the love I’m lucky enough to share with others.
All this winnowing has left behind the sweet, strong kernels from which the Christmas season sprouts. Kernels that emerge from the rich, fertile soil of the heart’s desire to connect and to care.
This song from the Lion King keeps floating through my head tonight. I do find that love is all around….
Lisa I always think of Christmas as a bittersweet holiday. I want what they show on television the perfect family gathering. Mine always seems to fall short of that between the shopping and cooking and little dramas that break out. This year I’m searching for all things I have to be grateful about and thanks for the great blog.
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I love how you caught that — how you were comparing your reality unfavorably to a media image! How perceptive, Kate! And what a great idea to turn your attention to your own life, the people and things that make your life good. Thank you for adding your wisdom here. xo
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