Last week was newsletter #198 and that means some of you, for once a week since December 2012, have graciously received me into your email inbox. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart. You are SO appreciated! In a day when it is easy to skip reading blog posts, newsletters and when it is stressful to see so many emails in your inbox, you continue to be ‘on the list’. For those of you who may be new to the weekly posts, your presence in my life is appreciated too.
That you find this information helpful and the writing inspiring warms my heart and keeps me going. Many of you write to let me know how the newsletter has landed in your life and some of you faithfully write back to me every week after the newsletter has been read, letting me know how you feel on issues and concerns. You bless me with your heartfelt comments.
STOP, LOOK, GO
This is the time of year when the busyness of the season can start to ramp up for all of us: deadlines, projects to finish before the new year, month to month and year end book keeping, appointments with chiropractors/osteopaths/massage therapists for car accident injuries (happy to report that both husband and I are healing well 3 weeks post rear end collision), taking family members to doctor appointments, running kids to hockey tournaments, homework assignments, the day-to-day of meals, cleaning, and chores (like sifting compost and cleaning out the bin before the snow flies – that would be my dad yesterday…the same dad who goes to see his oncologist today! He is doing well too). We all have our version of what makes up a full life and on a good day, the busy-ness is enlivening. On other days, likely when we are feeling unwell or sleep deprived…well…same events but instead of enlivening, they become stressful.
If day to day weren’t enough…add to that the idea that the festive season is fast approaching, so we should bake, cook, decorate, shop, spend too much, eat too much…and when a sleepless night happens with a baby, a sick child, or a coughing-sneezing-restless partner, you have a December prescription for overdoing. Been there, might do that…again. You’d think I would learn from year to year. But I don’t. Then I am right in the middle of a tide of ‘seasonal weary’ woes!
STOP, LOOK and GO
Starting today, I am going to “Stop, look, and go” on the advice of Brother David Steindl-Rast — his ‘how-to’ for moving into a state of gratitude, which allows us to live in joy and in the moment.
I plan to watch this little video every morning before I tackle the never ending to do list and see what happens over the next 53 or so days until the New Year. Want to join me?
The to-do list is a bit ominous as the next issue of the magazine is imminent with plans for the next two in the works. And I know I am not alone. And you are not alone. So today I offer you a very short newsletter and a suggestion to watch Brother David’s video and take in the beauty of the moment.
Winnie the Pooh: “What day is it?”
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
“My favorite day,” said Pooh.
Once you have viewed the ‘short’ video, you might want to hear Brother David’s TED Talk.
Take a moment to stop, look, and then go.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
One of the rituals I have is to light candles. The candles are set up in front of the sink on the island counter in the kitchen. As I prepare meals, wash dishes or glance up from my computer, I can see the candles and remember those who matter to me. Today you will be shining reminders of why I write each week.
Maybe you’d like to start your own candle-lighting ritual — if you don’t have an actual candle nearby, you can try a digital candle lighting page for your desktop.
“If you are grateful, you are not fearful.
If you are not fearful, you are not violent.
If you are grateful, you act out of a sense of enough, not out of a sense of scarcity. You are willing to share.
If you are grateful, you are enjoying the differences between people and you are respectful to everybody.”
~ Brother David Steindl-Rast, TED Talk
Yours in health and healing,
Donna
