In the hub bub of the holiday season, do you ever pause and take a moment to think about yourself?

Nope, it’s not selfish!

Does gratitude come to mind? Want to feel less stressed? Pause and remind yourself who your ARE as a person, not just for all the things you DO and are able to get accomplished.

Do notice and treasure your inner greatness and beauty? How you matter?

Or does the often relentless to-do list put your brain in frazzled overdrive?

In a stellar article and discussion on GRATITUDE in the Positive Psychology News Daily, Nov 7th, Shannon Polly offered this poem which really opened my heart to LOVING-KINDNESS and self-care throughout the holiday season.

It all begins with you. How do you choose to show up?

OK, you have much to get done. I will keep this brief and hope it rings happily in your heart.

There is a vitality, a life force, an energy.
A quickening
That is translated through you into action,
and because there is only one of you
in all of time
this expression is unique.
And if you block it, it will never exist
Through any other medium
And will be lost.
The world will not have it,
It is not your business to determine
How good it is, nor how valuable,
Nor how it compares with other expressions.
It is your business to keep it yours
Clearly and directly,
To stay open and aware
To the urges that motivate you

Keep the channel open

…..Martha Graham to Agnes DeMille, in Dance to the Piper

Want more wonderful info on Loving-Kindness? Check out Kristin Neff’s TEDx talk nd Barbara Fredrickson’s meditations.

Happy Holidays!

With love and light,

Judy

P.S. My trip to India this year was a gift to myself on so many levels. I met wonderful Indian friends I have enjoyed online. I finally found a Buddha mask I treasure. Best of all, with a huge grin, I flew off to Nepal to visit with our adopted Hari Aryal family. Talk about a thrilling three weeks of fun and frolic! Hope you enjoy the photos…more to come!