The winter holidays are such a beautiful season of lights. We see twinkling bulbs upon the trees, menorahs in the windows, and the sparkle in our children’s eyes waiting for Christmas day. They’re a wonderful reminder of the light within us all.
This time of year, I'm drawn to reflect upon this light. As I drive by all the twinkling homes, I can’t help but smile and feel the warmth of this light. I consider this the light of awareness, love, and joy that I feel in my heart.
Too often, I can get busy and lose sight of this light. I know it’s always there. I feel it when I watch a small child playing or the sun rising on a clear morning. It’s like the sun, ever present and shining just as strong even on a cloudy day when all is dark and gray.
When I find myself feeling anxious or overwhelmed, I tend to hold back and dampen my light or not express myself fully. I can get lost in worries and lose touch with this inner space of joy and light.
Christmas is a great time to remember as hearts are opening wide with the joy of giving and sharing. It’s an abundant time of giving and receiving, of love and family time.
Why wait for Christmas to shine our lights and open our hearts? Can we remember to keep our hearts open even when life seems crazy and things don’t go the way we plan? It’s a challenge, but if we keep reminding ourselves, I think we can.
The practice I propose is that every time we see a candle or a beautiful lamp, we pause and look at it for a moment reminding ourselves of that light within. Perhaps then, we can keep our hearts more open, light and receptive throughout the coming year.
Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine. ~Anthony J. D'Angelo
Let’s dare to shine bright in the coming year.
Samana
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