This blog post was inspired by the holiday season and Rick Hanson’s blog, Just One Thing (https://www.rickhanson.net). Warning: Questions (Q) are included that invite reflection and action (A) J
Here we are in the holidays – the ultimate season of remembrance, giving, and dedication. We practice rituals in which we light candles in gratitude for and celebration of family life and unity (Kwanzaa – Dec. 26-Jan. 1, African), in remembrance of those who are no longer with us (St. Lucia Day – Dec. 13, Scandinavian), legendary journeys (Las Posadas – Dec. 16-24, Mexican), and to acknowledge ancient miracles (Christmas – Dec. 25, Christian; and Hannukah – Dec. 2-10, 2018, Jewish); we share gifts (Boxing Day – Dec. 26, United Kingdom); and we eat special foods (Ōmisoka – Dec. 31, Japanese). At the end of the year, we take time to remember those who are dear to us, as well as those who are far away geographically, but near in spirit.
Q: Who are the ones who are dear to you and near in heart?
A: Bring them to mind and take a moment to extend loving kindness to them. We give of our time and care to others and we often exchange gifts with friends and family members this time of year.
Q: What about the one person over whom you have the most power and influence, the one who has your name? In what ways can we extend our hearts towards ourselves today, this season, and in the coming year? What gift can you give yourself right now? What do you long for that is in your power to give yourself?
A: Do what you can in this moment, however simple or small. Gifting yourself more calm and peace might mean not doing – not over-scheduling, not rushing, not competing, not over-thinking, not leaping to conclusions, not judging yourself or others, not over-spending, not interrupting others, not over-functioning, not ______ (fill-in-your-own-blank).
We often reflect on highlights and challenges, accomplishments and failures, what we have learned in the year that is ending, as well as our hopes for the future. It is a time for heartful inquiry and consideration, and an opportunity to balance doing with being. These questions are adapted from Rich Litvin’s Questions to Create an Extraordinary Year (https://richlitvin.com):
- What were your biggest accomplishments in 2018, and why?
- What was the biggest obstacle you overcame in 2018, and what did you learn from it?
- What are you best at?
- What do you wish you had done this year?
- If you could transport yourself ahead to the end of next year and look back, what way of being or accomplishment would give you a tremendous sense of success?
- What is one step you can take to move in that direction in 2019?
You can have fun with gifting yourself and considering your intentions for the holiday season and commitments and dedications for the coming new year, like personalizing a favorite holiday song with your own lyrics and inviting others to contribute theirs…and shifting to the present tense, which is only appropriate when gifting or giving presents!
On the first day of Christmas, I mindfully give to me – a soulful moment of serenity.
On the second day of Christmas, I mindfully give to me – [at least] two ways of seeing.
On the third day of Christmas, I mindfully give to me – three gratitudes.
On the fourth day of Christmas, I mindfully give to me – four dimensions to center by.
On the fifth day of Christmas, I mindfully give to me – five dee-eep breaths.
On the sixth day of Christmas, I mindfully give to me – six seconds of wonder.
On the seventh day of Christmas, I mindfully gave to me – seven clearer chakras.
On the eighth day of Christmas, I mindfully gave to me – eight good books for reading.
On the ninth day of Christmas, I mindfully gave to me – nine caring friends.
On the tenth day of Christmas, I mindfully gave to me – ten minutes of Yoga.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, I mindfully gave to me – eleven meditations.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, I mindfully gave to me – twelve more months of learning.
Blessings to you this holiday season. Let humor and compassion for self and others light your way. And may you take in the good from 2018 and enjoy every moment as the new year stands on the doorstep.
I am grateful for the gift of being able to share with you this past year, and to Lisa for the invitation and opportunity as well as her friendship 
Resources
- Brach, Tara (2018). Guided Meditations: https://www.tarabrach.com/guided-meditations/
- Brach, Tara (2015). Meditation: The heartspace that is home (25:07): https://www.tarabrach.com/meditation-heartspace-home-2/
- Hanson, Rick (2018). Gift yourself. Just One Thing: https://www.rickhanson.net/gift-yourself/?highlight=Gift%20Yourself
- Hanson, Rick (2018). Meditations: https://www.rickhanson.net/category/meditations/
- Kornfield, Jack (2018). Meditations: https://jackkornfield.com/meditations/
- Kornfield, Jack (2018). Practice: Seeing from the universal perspective: https://jackkornfield.com/practice-seeing-from-the-universal-perspective/
- Scholastic, Inc. (2018). Holidays: A sampler from around the world: https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/holidays-sampler-around-world/
WorldStrides (2018). December holidays around the world: https://worldstrides.com/blog/2015/12/december-holidays-around-the-world/
