Gratitude is such an important perspective shifter as we get busier in the run up to Christmas. It is all-too-easy to get sucked into crazy consumerism and the need for More, or Perfect, or Frenzied engagement in everything. Giving thanks is a great way to break into the crazy. When we stop and take a…
Giving kindness away this Advent
I have been encouraging all of us to think about a different kind of Advent calendar this year. The focus of our Advent calendar this week is giving kindness. Nothing new or original there of course. Lots about kindness here and here. Important stuff about kindness during the Covid pandemic, and kindness when our world…
A different kind of Advent calendar
Is there an Advent calendar in your house? Perhaps if not in your house, then consider if you had one as a child, or think of children you know who might well have an Advent calendar. What happens when you open the door? Chances are, you receive something – a wee gift, chocolate, or the…
See yourself with the same delight…
This week, in all the preparations, busyness and uncertainty, take a few minutes to stop, and sit with these words: May you recognise in your life the presence, power, and light of your soul. May you realise that you are never alone, that your soul in it’s brightness and belonging connects you intimately with…
An Advent gift For the Senses
I love the practice of slowing by paying attention to our senses. This is a well documented mindfulness tool for bringing us back from anxiety into the moment. I have written more about that here. But it is also a great way to become more aware of what is going on around us that we…
“This is the time to be slow”
And so it begins….Advent. The lead up to Christmas. You don’t need me to tell you how different this Christmas is going to be, after what has been the most challenging, unsettling, and destabilising of years. How is your soul this week? What do you most need? This is the time to be slow. I…
A moment of peace at Christmas
A week to go. In all the little moments of the next few days, as you stop – are aware – cherish – breathe in all that is going on – may you know peace and hope for all that is to come. Whether you have a faith or not, take time to recognise and…
A gift of sight at Christmas
What are you seeing this week, as you look about you? There is lots of sparkle, decorations aplenty, shops groaning with an over abundance of food, plastic tat, Christmas jumpers. How focused are you on what is directly in front of your own line of vision: lists, planning, shopping, decorating, organising/facilitating/attending Christmas events…..sometimes, all we…
A touch of kindness at Christmas
December is here, and we are in the season of Advent. Waiting…anticipating…planning….organising…. …perhaps descending into a frazzled heap on the floor amidst the wrapping paper, lists and tinsel. Ho hum. There is a lot going on in many people’s lives, and so my musings here will be short and a little more reflective. This week,…
Taking off the filters – this week’s Advent perspective shift
As we enter the last week of Advent, what state do you find yourself in? Filled with excited anticipation? Frazzled and a bit frantic? Calm, collected and enjoying taking a simpler approach to the festivities? Or, if you are like me, somewhere in between. I love Christmas, and do enjoy the anticipation and build up…