It's that time of the year again, when I shudder to go out on the streets, let alone walk into a major shopping complex. And I live in what is known as "the most isolated city in the world"! Imagine what it would be like in the big cities of the world. Stressful and frantic energies seem to surface at this time of the year for the average and affluent population of the western world. We get ourselves caught in a frenzy of spending and over-consumption. People rush around, pushing and shoving, buying up endless consumable goods to partake in this commercialism of Christmas.
As any true Christian will tell you, Christmas is sacred, as the real meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Christ (though the exact date of his birth is very unlikely not the 25th Dec). Christ along with many great spiritual masters of our times, lived, taught and espoused unconditional love, oneness, giving, forgiveness and peace.
So while we can embrace and celebrate this time of the year as a joyous and happy event, let us not lose our perspective and get too caught up in the materialism and commercialism of the festivities. It is a wonderful opportunity where good friends and family may gather together to connect, share and catchup. Some some may return home from long trips far and wide, others may find time to partake in foods, laughter and play together - and share joy and fun in giving each other gifts.
In amongst all this joyous activities that we are fortunate to partake in, let us always try and remember, be conscious, aware and practice - the true spirit of Christmas. The spirit of oneness and unconditional love extends not just to our immediate family and friends that we are celebrating with. It includes all of life on planet earth, all other humans, animals, plants and our natural environment. When we purchase gifts galore, and foods that spill out of our refrigerators, let us learn to be modest and somewhat frugal - do we really need more than too much? Before we reach out to purchase the third expensive present for our beloved offspring, let us stop and reconsider - does he/she really need that too? In purchasing material gifts and foods, let us make conscious choices based on how the goods and foods are sourced and obtained. Are they 'fair trade' where products were sourced and manufactured through ethical means? where other humans were not exploited and harmed in their making. Better still, buy from and support your local crafts maker and organic farmer's markets. Are they cruelty free? where countless animals have not been tortured, tested and killed. Are they environmental and sustainable? Nature is limited and diminishing even as we celebrate, if we do not remain conscious in our choices of spending. The amount of increased spending on consumables, packaging and discarded wastes triples and quadruples over the festive season in the affluent west, so our choices have effects on our environment. Are we giving others a gift of health? with natural ingredients or are we giving hidden toxins and synthetic substances in foods and products?
In celebrating, before we fill ourselves up excessively with foods and wine (to the point of bursting), let us remember those who never ever had a Christmas, those who have hunger in their stomachs, not just on Christmas day but every day. To restrain ourselves from over indulging does not curb our joy but is a small honor for those less fortunate. Instead of material consumable gifts, perhaps gifts of services, education and awareness are a better choice. For many that we often find "have everything and too much" perhaps gifts in the form of a donation or voucher to an aid abroad or nature conservation foundation is a wise option. Many organizations such as Oxfam, Unicef, World Vision, Rotary, WWF, etc. have vouchers where we can buy a 'goat', 'seed' or a rehabilitation program for a rescued turtle - all nicely gift certificated.
The spirit of giving and unconditional love does not have to take the form 'purchasing'. Giving time, love and sharing joy and happiness may extend to giving a little something to or lending a hand at a Christmas event for the homeless, the women's refuge, the orphaned and injured animals shelters, planting some seeds and tress etc.- all are true forms of unconditional giving. Giving more time, attention and presence to each other, hugs, laughter and connection, being forgiving, open and accepting, are all in line with the peaceful spirit of Christmas.
Finally, let us remember that while is it a ritual and a celebration, the true spirit of Christmas is that it is our true innate nature that should shine every day, not just on a particular assigned day. Every day should be a celebration within our hearts for the beauty and gift of life. Every day let us bear gratitude in our hearts for all that we are and have. Every day let us connect and consciously work to make this world a better place for all that live upon it. Every day let us also continue to give back to Mother Earth and all the elements, that provide and sustain life on earth. Every day let this peace be the core of our being.
May you have a conscious, joyous and peaceful holiday season :-)
With Love, Light and Blessings,
Patsie
Patsie Smith is a spiritual author, remedial massage therapist, energetic kinesiologist, yoga and meditation teacher.
www.patsiesmith.com
www.facebook.com/AwakenOurSpiritWithin
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