January 20, 2025 is Inauguration Day in the United States. It is also Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
It is not a co-incidence that the two are happening on the same day this year.
While it is true that what is coming is darkness, it is also true, as Martin Luther King Jr reminded us, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Light. Love. Hope!
Light can drive out darkness! Love can drive out hate!
Let us not lose sight of the hope that is is Light and Love.
Laughter — it is SOOOO good for the body and soul. Sadly, there’s not been a lot of that these days. Politics … anger … fear … seem to have taken over.
Our soul needs regular doses of laughter!
When my Dutch-born husband, Hans, was alive, there was a lot of laughter in our home. His delightful laugh and great sense of humour still bring a smile to my face. And today, laughter bubbled out of me when I reread his response to something I posted on social media the year before he died.
I wrote: “India Foxtrot Yankee Oscar Uniform Charlie Alpha November Uniform November Delta Echo Romeo Sierra Tango Alpha November Delta Tango Hotel India Sierra, Charlie Oscar Papa Yankee Alpha November Delta Papa Alpha Sierra Tango Echo Tango Oscar Yankee Oscar Uniform Romeo Sierra Tango Alpha Tango Uniform Sierra. “
And he replied … “Alfa November Delta Whiskey Hotel Alfa Tango India Sierra Tango Hotel India Sierra Alfa Lima Lima Alfa Bravo Oscar Uniform Tango Whiskey Hotel Alfa Tango Alfa Mike India Tango Oscar Charlie Oscar Papa Yankee Alfa November Delta Papa Alfa Sierra Tango Echo.”
I laughed then. And I laughed this morning when I saw this photo and remembered our online conversation.
How I wish I had a recording of his voice – and his laugh! I can “hear” both his voice and laughter in my head and heart, but oh how wonderful it would be to have actual recordings.
So often we think of taking photos of our partner/spouse, children, parents, siblings – at various ages/stages in their lives. I treasure the photos I have. But their voices??? It never crossed my mind to record their voices.
Gratefully, I have voice recordings of my son, but recordings of the voices of my parents, siblings, Hans? Not one. And now, that they’ve all died, I can’t.
A gentle encouragement to you — if you don’t have recordings of the voice of your loved one(s) voice, get started now. Record them reading to you. Let them know what you’re doing and record a conversation.
And record their laughter. 🙂 Your soul will thank you.
Long ago, it is said, that a star appeared in the sky – a star that was unlike any other. All were amazed – and perhaps, even the lambs.
Years and years ago, I made this banner for Epiphany, the season of light – which began January 6th for many around the world.
The banner was made out of a black velvet-like fabric and white fabric paint was dabbed on the fabric to create the images. The black velvet-like fabric is fading, the lines of the star are still crooked and every year I take it out and hang it as a gentle reminder of a dreary, wintery weather’s day when I decided to try painting on black velvet-like fabric and the hope and peace that such a reminder of light in the Season of Epiphany brings.
I find Epiphany and its symbolism of ‘light’ to be helpful during the winter months of weather, the winter months of war, and the winter months of the soul, which so many around the world are dealing with these days as democracy is being threatened.
I hope you do, too, and that you wibring light into your home in a variety of ways.
May light be within you. May light be around you. May light walk before you and walk behind you. May light envelope, embrace and sustain you and this world. And may the awe and wonder of the wee lambs as they gazed on the star – the Light – be instilled in the hearts of all so our world is a place of hope, lovingkindness and peace.
Where there is darkness we must bring the light. Where there is darkness we must send the light. Where there is darkness we must be the light.
We can be the light as we focus on goodness not evil.
We can be the light as we offer a listening ear offer healing energy to a troubled world. by holding the light for others, being present being honest, being kind, being thoughtful.
We can be the light and reflect the Light of hope and possibility by speaking up by speaking out by peaceful protest.
Where there is darkness … may we bring the light. Where there is darkness … may we send the light. Where there is darkness … may we *be* the light.
Let us offer healing energy, good thoughts, prayer. Let us focus on goodness even in the face of evil.
Have you read (and heard people complain) about the use of “Xmas” … instead of the use of “Christmas” in advertisements, cards, written greetings?
Have you begun to hear THOSE PHRASES yet? You know the ones … “Happy Holidays” and “Seasons Greetings” … instead of “Merry Christmas”?
I have, and can’t help but wonder why people get in such a flap over the phrases and spelling. Maybe it’s simply because they don’t know the history?
It seems that many believe that the use of “Xmas” is a recent invention or a secular attempt to remove the religious tradition from Christmas (by taking ‘Christ’ out of the word). It’s not. So, how about a short bit of history and reality about these two things? Here goes —- way, way back (some say as early as the 1st century) there was a practice of using contractions for divine/sacred names.
Have a look at the image from the Book of Lindisfarne (an Irish monastic foundation) c. 634 AD on the northeast coast of England – aka Holy Island. A lovely place that is filled with history that is palpable and I hope to return some day. 🙂 But, back to the Book of Lindisfarne — this photo is the “Chi-Rho” page and illustrates a distinctive long left leg of the Chi/X – a style also found in the other books: Book of Kells, Book of Durrow, St. Gallen Gospel Book etc..
“X” is a very old abbreviation for the word ‘Christ” which was written in the ancient Greek alphabet (ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ – cristos). The first two letters are called ‘Chi’ and ‘Rho’ and formed one of the earliest Christograms – a monogram that formed an abbreviation for the name of Jesus Christ known as the Chi-Rho. So, not a “modern” invention and not a secular attempt to remove the religious tradition from Christmas.
By the way, ‘Christ’ wasn’t a family name/surname. It was a title meaning ‘anointed’. If you doubt that, check out Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage (Merriam-Webster, 1994) which states that for many, many years, words like Christian and Christianity were written as Xtian, Xtianity.
Now, what about the use of “Happy Holidays,” and “Seasons Greetings,” rather than “Merry Christmas.” Those phrases aren’t an attempt to remove the religious meaning of Christmas either. Rather, they’re meant to acknowledge that at this time of the year, several religions have celebrations (holidays) – not just Christians. The use of “Happy Holidays – Seasons Greetings” acknowledge the reality that we don’t always know what others are celebrating, or even ‘if’ they are celebrating. And as there are days set aside as national holidays in the month of December, it’s very appropriate to wish people “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings” in generalm and if they know what the other is celebrating, to wish them a specific greeting of “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukkah” or “Happy Kwanzaa.”
I don’t know who created this chart, but I like it. If anyone knows who created it, please let me know so I can give appropriate accreditation. Thank you.
There is soooo much angst in this world. People are concerned and troubled and stressed and fearful. Let’s not add to the negativity.
Instead, when someone wishes us a special greeting this month, (whether or not we are observing that specific celebration,) may we, welcome the gesture and the good intention behind it, and be gracious, be gentle and be kind in response.
In the midst of the political rhetoric/reality/anxiety in many parts of the word, tomorrow our American neighbours are marking their Thanksgiving – a time and opportunity to express “giving thanks – thanksgiving.”
But these days, many struggle to find something – anything – for which they are thankful. Health issues, financial concerns, weather disruptions, faltering relationships, the political reality and forecasts … it’s not easy.
But when I remember that “thanksgiving” is an “attitude” not a feeling, I find it helps me look beyond and focus on an attitude change – a Gratitude Attitude.
Making a Gratitude Attitude a habit. helps me extend my focus and be open to an attitude of hope even when things may appear to be hopeless.
How to have a Gratitude Attitude? How about being grateful for you?
Seriously … beginning with gratitude for ourselves is a great way to begin a Gratitude Attitude.
Here’s one way to cultivate this habit … each morning, as you stand in front of the mirror, ready to brush your teeth, look in the mirror (hair likely uncombed, no make-up, haven’t yet shaved, grunge still in the eyes) … think or say “Thank you Universe/God … for the gift of creation … me!” Look into the mirror again and see the Gift of Creation – you!
At night, after brushing your teeth, after removing your makeup say/think it again: “Thank you, Universe / God, for the gift of creation – me.” Look in the mirror again, and see the Gift of Creation – you! 🙂
Simple acts like keeping a gratitude journal, a Gratitude Box/Jar (more about that in a few days as the Season called Advent begins) … sharing words of appreciation … volunteering and an Attitude of Gratitude can cultivate a long-lasting sense of thankfulness even in a world that can often feel overwhelming.
Having an Attitude of Gratitude grounds us and reminds us of the good that surrounds us. For good does surround us.
So, this Thanksgiving, whether American and celebrating Thanksgiving as a holiday, or another nationality, may we all have an Attitude of Gratitude and “give thanks” – “live thanks” for carrying a Thanksgiving Spirit – having a Gratitude Attitude into every day can help transform the way we see the world – perhaps only just for a moment, or only just for a little bit … but it does work. 🙂
Time to process what has just happened in the United States … and really, what has happened that will affect the world.
So, I took a little walk around the yard, enjoying Mother Nature breathing in life, ruach, praying, healing.
The mushrooms that keep popping up in the yard may have a short life, but each day, through them, Mother Nature provides such wonderful colour, texture, shape, peace.
And a gentle feeling of hope begins to slowly surface.
The mushrooms make their way through the earth year after year after year, in spite of winter weather, summer heat, fall and spring rain.
So too will humanity.
Thank you, Mother Nature, for your everpresent reminder that “All shall be well. All shall be well. All manner of thing shall be well.” (Dame Julian who reminds us that even though things may not be well, in time, they “shall be.”)
Reach for the sun, mushrooms. Reach for the sky. Keep on growing and surviving in spite of the elements of Nature.
It rests in the lies he told; the crimes he committed; the supporters who blindly followed and follow; the team around him who have planned and will carry out Project 2025.
I cannot – must not …
We cannot – must not … allow it to consume our light.
Gentle cyberhug is on its way to all who are confused, who are angry, who grieve.
May the light … even if only just a flicker … never go out.
And if it goes out, may another stand with us as a reminder that “we are not alone.” Together, the light remains lit.
May we be gentle with ourselves – and one another.
Today is ‘Dia de Los Muertos’ – ‘Day of the Dead – November 2nd, every year. The first time I learned about Day of the Dead was the Disney movie “Coco” and as a result, I wanted to learn more about the Mexican holiday known as Dia de Los Muertos.
On November 2nd, ‘literary calaveras’ (satirical poems in which the poet writes about ‘Death’ taking someone to the land of the dead) are shared; altars (ofrenda) are made to remember someone who has died; and families visit the grave of loved ones, sometimes bringing a sugar skull to leave on the gravesite.
“Bringing a sugar skull to leave on the graveside?” What’s that all about? While I enjoy walking through cemeteries, am not afraid of death, or uncomfortable being with people who are dying, but somehow, the thought of creating a skull and bringing it to leave on a gravestone, (until I began to research Dias de Los Muertos), was a difficult concept to comprehend. Clearly it was time for me to do some more research.
I learned that the tradition goes back to prehistoric times when people believed in a spiritual life after death and made an offering to the god of the underworld (Mictlantechutli) who was expected to guarantee safe passage to his world. Interesting! More research needed … and doing that, I learned that at that time, brightly coloured sugar skulls were part of the offering to Mictlantechutli, but, when Spanish conquerers arrived (all offering except for the colourful skull made of a sweet confection which was often placed in home altars as part of the offering to the deceased) were lost.
Then, in more recent times in Mexico, Dia de Los Muertos became a holiday – a holiday around death – and a very, very colourful one at that!
While I have no Mexican ancestry, I have never liked the idea of wearing black as a sign of mourning. Rather, I like the idea of celebrating … remembering the deceased with joy … wearing anything-but-black to funerals because for me, when family and friends have died, they are never entirely ‘gone’ … I keep them alive in my heart and in my memories.
I have a strong belief that I’ll re-connect with loved ones again … in some way. Not in a way I can explain – but ‘some way.’
Is that a certainty? No. It’s not a certainty, because no one can prove that such a re-connection can or will happen. But … is it possible? Why not!
I’m a “possibility-thinker.” And until scientifically proven otherwise, I am going to continue to believe that when I die, in some form, in some way, loved ones and I will re-connect.
And in the meantime, time to celebrate (albeit belatedly), Dia de Los Muertos and remember my parents, my siblings, my husband, my grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends who have all departed this life. It is a special day to remember them with joy, celebration, and colour … and create a sugar skull: artistic representation of calavera (skull) piece of art.
Thanks to Mexican culture for teaching me about this unique “Day of the Dead.”
