Holidays is short for holy days. Days that are deemed sacred and spiritual. Days that observe and celebrate religious beliefs, principles and practices. What we personally consider holy and sacred, and what truly functions in this way, identifies and develops our higher states of human being and functioning, puts us in the center of peace, love and compassion. I almost forgot joy. We talk about getting the "holiday spirit," and attend events and parties and family gatherings intended to make us feel wonderful about everything, blessed and looking forward with optimism and faith.
So, why do we tend to get so stressed and tired of it all? For those of you who really love the holidays, whose families don't have much dysfunction, who can't wait to shop and cook and party and wrap and decorate and travel, God bless you and send the rest of us some of that! You have got something figured out.
This is also a time to look around the world and remember those less fortunate. I love it when I hear, like I did this week, that people are giving donations to charity instead of presents, or braved the jungle that is Toys-R-Us for gifts for the family their church group adopted who otherwise wouldn't "have a Christmas." I know a lot of us do these things. This is truly the Holy Day Spirit, and now I know what to do for my mother, the woman who has everything, who has also worked hard on the Hospice board in her area of Florida.
These days are when the yogic principles of in-the-moment mindfulness, deep breath relaxation and mental focus can really come in handy. The observances of non-violence (ahimsa) in our words and thoughts, especially in traffic, and contentment (santosa) with what we have come to mind. Especially when I get one more thing I don't want and can't use from an aunt I haven't seen in 10 years...at least it isn't ugly. Hey, maybe somebody else could use it and would be delighted to have it!
Happy Holy Days!
Namaste
