Welcome to the home of Wellness and Spirituality.
Christmas shopping. I REALLY enjoy shopping for my family. Is this a Guilty Pleasure? Am I a Capitolistic, Materialistic Slob? Oouch! Well……I don’t think so. It’s more blessed to give than to receive, right? Oh, every pleasure can be overdone, right? Christmas is generally a time of excess so now’s the time of year that “overdoing” is coded into the cultural programming. So, this holiday season is an excellent time to hone our skills in walking The Middle Way, the Golden Mean, the path of balance, the Beauty Way.
My awesome Elder, the Venerable Grandmother Pa’Ris’Ha, always urges folks to make a point to do something for others during this holiday season. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Go out and feed the homeless sandwiches. But certainly that does not mean to exclude giving to those you care about too.
All things in moderation!
Maya Angelou said, “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” Perhaps we could interpret this as meaning that when we give, we go outside ourselves. This reminds me of one of my favorite words, “ecstatic,” which means to stand outside the self!
Honestly, I haven’t finished my Christmas shopping yet. Family will be gathering over the next few days….husband, sons, nieces, nephews, sisters! I am SO looking forward to being together with everyone! Now, a nephew is here at my home to care for my parents so I can go to town and put the finishing touches on the list of GIFTS for the people I hold so dear. So if you’ll excuse me………while I go stand outside myself.
T-minus three days and counting,
Elizabeth Richie/ Du’Tsu