Tis the season for love, family, delicious meals, and the stress that sometimes comes with it. There are so many movies, plays, and jingles that remind us what this season is all about, yet many of us still find ourselves wrapped up in the negative aspects.
This is a time when we can all sit down with the people who we genuinely care for, who we are choosing to spend this sacred time with. You don’t have to climb a mountain, meditate for a week, or travel around the world to get a glimpse of different perspectives – sometimes the most spiritual and profound experiences can be had right at your dinner table.
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Listen to the wisdom that surrounds you
What better way to learn than to hear stories from the people who have lived life differently than you, who have experienced a whole different realm of existence and are willing to share it with you? Yes, the holidays are about family and love, but it’s also about opportunity, perspective, and reflection. It is the one time of year when we are around a whole smorgasbord of people looking to connect.
Learn from your tribe
The tradition of sharing stories has been a treasured experience throughout time, from biblical stories to indigenous tribes. Wisdom was shared through passed down orated stories and traditions. The wisdom of not only our elders but of people our own age and even younger can serve us in ways we may not even comprehend in the moment but will manifest suddenly when we need it one day. This also creates a stronger bond between the people we are sharing – because nothing is more sacred or cherished than the lives and experiences we have lived.
Embrace your cultural traditions
Reflecting on the lives of our families and loved ones has always been celebrated during this time. The pagan holiday of Yule was a time to give thanks for light and the sun and to remember and honor our ancestors. Now, with all of our strength and conveniences we have to create a big feast, it is important to reflect on and honor where and who we come from. The holidays are not just a time to celebrate family and friends, it is a time to celebrate culture, triumph, the period of time we are at now and how we can live our lives with wisdom and gratitude, and how we can share our wisdom with others. So take some time, pour some wine, and enjoy and admire the lives that the universe chose to surround us with – it’s all serving you.
Written by Ani Ferlise