Reverent Tradition

Friends, the time is upon us. We are in the middle of the holiday season. There is an insurmountable amount of things to do. The to-do list seems never-ending… as do the expectations from others, and our own self-inflicted expectations. Not to mention, this is also the darkest time of the year! You most likely leave or start working in the dark and come home or finish working in the dark.

It can be hard to see the light and hold onto it in these times. Especially when the holiday season is so often a reminder of those that are no longer with us, riddled with seasonal depression, or trigger mental illness episodes. 

Take a deep breath in through the nose, and out through the nose.

I am not trying to be a Debbie downer here, just trying to be realistic about what you are facing in these times.

Because I believe there is an antidote to these pressures and mentality.

It is reverence. 

I once gave a lecture (yes, in the days of old, I was an adjunct professor for an accredited college program), on how celebrating festival life is the salve to the pains of modern society. 

I believe in my heart of hearts that by slowing down to create reverence and ceremony, you can combat the hustle culture of modern society that is linked to the holiday season.

Instead of what is described above, I invite you to imagine a new way of being. One where you celebrate advent each Sunday gathering as a family to read a story that pertains to the elemental kingdom associated with that week. Over the month, slowly build a scene on your nature table adding the element associated with that week. Polishing your shoes and leaving them out for St. Nick who will fill the shoes with treats and leave you a note, lovingly pointing out your downfalls in the past year with suggestions for areas of improvement. Of gathering family and friends to have crafting evenings where each person leaves with gifts to give for the holiday season. 

This is what I am all about. Gathering around the hearth, building suspense, getting back to the traditions of old. This is the act of cultivating reverence. It is slowing down to embody the mood and gesture of the season, otherwise, it is reduced to credit card debt and obligations. 

I think, if you sit with these ideas, there is going to be something that truly stands out to you. Something that you want to try out for yourself. I am not suggesting you scrap everything and try something radically new this year. Instead, answer the call of whatever is standing out for you while reading this. Maybe it's focusing on making gifts for your extended family. Or perhaps it is breaking traditions that no longer nurture your soul. Whatever it is, think about the mood you want to cultivate as you plan your holiday celebrations.

Reach out today to set up your free connection call and tell me how you are going to cultivate reverence this holiday season.