I don’t know about you, but this holiday season has felt like a rollercoaster of emotions. Lofty highs and rock-bottom lows and depleting energy in-between. I found myself feeling blue for no real reason or feeling lonely with plenty of people around. I feel like I have a label on my forehead that reads — Fragile: Handle with Care.
We are all a bit fragile during the holidays. There are expectations, demands, promises, hopes, fears, worries, and grief all swirling together. We have our own personal challenges to deal with as well as feeling the pain of humanity’s injustices.
Here is my simple practice to bring me back to balance.
• Breathe and remember the gift of life.
• Be mindful and acknowledge how I am feeling.
• Be grateful for all the blessings in my life.
• Love myself first and extend that love to others.
• Speak with loving kindness.
Here is a prayer that brings me back to Love:
I am grateful for this new day. I embrace this day knowing God is revealed as the radiant, energizing, joy-filled presence of Love. I know Love moves into the very cells of my being bringing light, harmony, and peace. I accept guidance to willingly let go of any resentment, hurt or disappointment. I invite the healing presence of Love to wash away any pain or darkness. I enter this day with a grateful heart and receive all the blessings Love has in store for me. And so it is. Amen.
Regardless of emotions or appearances in your life, please know that you are loved and appreciated.
May the light of the season guide your days with wisdom, fill your heart with joy and surround you with the presence of love.
Thank you Rev Christine. The prayer is great. I’m printing it and carrying it with me.
You are welcome Pam. So great to hear from you.
I have also been feeling out of sorts and thought about it for a bit. I wonder if because the last two years we have been restricted in our gatherings and outings if we all are in a bit of a free fall. Very little if any restrictions left and we aren’t quite sure how to handle our “freedom”. We feel a bit scared and uncomfortable and also wondering “what’s around the next corner”. It feels a bit like a push/pull situation. Push into the “unknown” and pull back into the “known.”
Just my pondering…
Thanks Judith. Appreciate your insights. I think we are learning to live with free-floating anxiety.
Knowing peace and harmony and a grace-filled Christmas. Hugs.
Thank you for the beautiful prayer.
Many blessings and much love to you.
Love,
Susan Scott
You are welcome Susan. Blessings for a grace-filled Christmas.
What a great reminder and prayer. Somehow this year it has been more demanding, more emotional, more of everything. I am grateful for so much, and especially your friendship and guidance.
And grateful for you.
Hugs
I also printed the prayer and will make it part of my daily practice as I awake each morning.
Thank you Christine.
You are welcome. Blessings for a sacred holiday.