Just beautiful, Mary. In this holiday season, I need to remember that I am enough. It isn't the gifts I can give, but the love in my heart. I need to turn on the light and see all that has gone well this year, not the things that I am struggling with.
The part about starting with fresh eyes is a kin to a Japanese concept of Sho Shin where you approach the world with “a beginners mind.” The concept is that everything is fresh and new and you are totally open. I heard this from a local teacher who had studied martial arts and in his retirement chose to become an inspirational speaker. I’ve often thought about this concept which is tied to your thoughts here of turning on the light. I love both of these ideas combined. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts here. Wishing you blessings for 2024.
Sometimes I feel frustrated that people who knew me when I was 30 don't know how much I've changed, but it surprised me when my eldest son said to me just a few months ago, "Mom, you've really changed." And I know how it happened. As the years go by, I allow more Light to come into my spirit, and that Light now shines brighter than ever through me. With that light comes less judgment, more love, more acceptance, more prayer and more attentiveness to the presence of God in my life.
Just beautiful, Mary. In this holiday season, I need to remember that I am enough. It isn't the gifts I can give, but the love in my heart. I need to turn on the light and see all that has gone well this year, not the things that I am struggling with.
You are a light for other people, too! I hope your holiday season is full of love, peace and illumination.
Thanks for writing. It uplifted me this busy season.
Thank you!
The part about starting with fresh eyes is a kin to a Japanese concept of Sho Shin where you approach the world with “a beginners mind.” The concept is that everything is fresh and new and you are totally open. I heard this from a local teacher who had studied martial arts and in his retirement chose to become an inspirational speaker. I’ve often thought about this concept which is tied to your thoughts here of turning on the light. I love both of these ideas combined. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts here. Wishing you blessings for 2024.
Yes! That’s so powerful, and so easy forget as we learn more. Wise reminder. Take care!
And he has Aspergers and usually doesn't say things like that or even notice!
Sometimes I feel frustrated that people who knew me when I was 30 don't know how much I've changed, but it surprised me when my eldest son said to me just a few months ago, "Mom, you've really changed." And I know how it happened. As the years go by, I allow more Light to come into my spirit, and that Light now shines brighter than ever through me. With that light comes less judgment, more love, more acceptance, more prayer and more attentiveness to the presence of God in my life.
That’s really lovely, that your son can see the change in you. More Light is a beautiful change!