This 2020 holiday season is unlike most we have ever experienced. Gift giving, joy and well wishes usually dominate this season. But this year, we need to summon up and use a particular gift that each of us already possess. It is perhaps one of the most powerful abilities and natural gifts that reside deep with us. It is our gift of HEALING.
The joy of this holiday season will be a difficult task for millions of our fellow citizens (both here and the world over). Rather than solely focus on “celebration and joy” which we would normally practice during this time of the year, it might behoove us to focus upon our ability to show and feel COMPASSION.
Perhaps we can make this a season of healing, of empathy, and of heartfelt loving thoughts. Millions of families are grieving this holiday season. Millions lack food and millions of our fellow Americans face an uncertain future. Millions risk losing their homes or face eviction. Millions have lost their places of business or lively-hoods as well as their daily sustenance.
This season, let’s not only exercise the joy of giving, but let’s also take time to give appreciation. Let us be aware of the sacrifices of our doctors, nurses and all workers on the frontlines. Of even more importance and worthiness, we need to take a moment during this season to send healing thoughts (and prayers) to those who are suffering as a result of these challenging pandemic times. Yes, we will get through it and life will improve, but that’s the future. It is in this present moment and especially on this holiday that we must think of other’s misfortunes and suffering by sending them the energy of our loving and healing thoughts.
So, take a minute, or a few, on the days ahead to send compassionate thoughts to those less fortunate. Close your eyes and with a sense of conviction and purpose, think of those in need, and imagine shining a light of hope and of healing energy in their direction, send them affirmative thoughts, maybe light a candle in memory of their loved ones who died and for those who are deeply grieving. Remind them they are not alone. We are all interconnected. We are all members of one big national family....and then some!
We are certainly entitled to the merriment and joy of this holiday season; however, let us also take some time to exhibit some compassionate awareness and to feel the suffering of all those who may find it difficult to think of this season as a day of celebration. Reach into your heart and send the radiance of your love to those in need. Our thoughts can be a positive, powerful and healing form of energy that we can direct into the universe and into the lives of others. It’s about intention. It’s about our purpose to touch the lives of others that strengthens our abilities to ease the suffering of our fellow man.
Add meaning to your holiday season. Generate and giftwrap an especially large dose of compassion towards others!
“True compassion means not only feeling another’s pain but also being moved to help relieve it.” (Daniel Goleman)