Winter Update 2009“Time” is said to be a contrivance of “man”. This leads to thoughts of another realm where time is not an issue, a place where minutes, days and years is but a concept with no relation to that place. The other side of the veil where our Higher Selves have come from to incarnate these bodies. My soul finds a certain comfort in the acceptance of this however at the same time I am unable to comprehend what that would be like. We are so time orientated. Perhaps, it’s as humans we need these definite parameters of understanding in order to function on this earth plane. My reasoning follows that there would be a distinct lack of seasons’ as well.
I am capable of understanding the appreciation for the cycle of life encircled in such beautiful 4 seasons amongst the many blessings we have been bestowed with and owe it to the Universe to value as well as enjoy them. It’s a marker for the years that seem to fly by ever faster the older we get. I wonder if chocolate will be found in this other place as I do consider it one of my minor blessings and will do my best to relish it while I can, just in case!
Now, Winter Solstice is upon us. It seems as if it was yesterday I was beholding the lusciousness’ of nature in full bloom all around me. My life has had its ebbs and flows in varying degrees, as it tends to do, since then. Being the emotional creature that I am, I have busied myself working hard to balance my Libra scales to accommodate each and every one that has been presented to me with respect to the key players and issues in my life.
Sometimes I find the need to be selfish in order to protect myself and other times I endeavor to be all to everyone. I have a tendency to curl up in a defensive mental ball and do nothing when confronted with minor to serious decisions while at the same time deeply weighing out every option and its possible outcome before I can arrive at a suitable decision.
What I have come to understand is that if one chooses to do nothing, the Universe will sometimes step in and make its own decisions on our behalf. The discriminating mind will understand that should this be done for oneself, it’s not always the choice that we would have made were we savvy enough to have made our own choices when we had the chance. My answer in practice is to consciously face my issues with respect to making a choice sooner rather than putting them off for later.
This is one characteristic of my personality that seems to require a constant vigil and I have come to accept it will always be so. Perhaps one day when I grow up I will be able to lighten up on myself a bit more. : ))
The holiday season is now in full swing. Lest we choose to consciously forget the seasonal landmarks that Retail absolutely forbids us to forget with its relentless bombardment of non-subtle displays that have been crafted with the ability to remind us. They beg for our attention and dollars out of our pockets. Halloween merchandise has multiplied like never before. Right next to that is the beginning of Thanksgiving stuff. Not to be confused with the plethora of Christmas products that is shamelessly put out before the last jack-o-lantern has even begun to grow mold.
Lately I have been viewing it more consciously as a subliminal control tactic. Not to appear too paranoid, but sure, it does plant the idea that could be an inspiration to jump on the band wagon and get things rolling now rather than later in avoiding procrastination. My problem with it is the pressure it plants in the back of the mind that would not be there if there was a natural time lapse between when their merchandise they expect to move is put out for “my convenience” and the season they are trying to sell for.
More nostalgia for “the good old days” but it used to be that back then. Greed for the almighty dollar has obviously won out. It is fed by peoples need to produce a “Happy Holiday” by buying mass presents and producing brilliant displays at their homes in the form of bright pretty lights and fancy decorations in order to show their holiday spirit.
This year we are all faced with a disheartening recession. Or, as Microsoft has cleverly coined it, a “New Efficiency.” (As if by inventing a new politically correct buzz word that it would soften any blows to the American People.)
What I do find encouraged by is the change this has brought about and how people are adjusting because of strained bank accounts this year. I see and hear of more ingenuity in gift giving that requires more thought and creativity on their part. Like, making homemade gifts in the form of crafts, woodworking or baked goodies, where a trip to the mall was more the norm. More of us are having to cut back.
I was at the hardware store the other day and the man in front of me was purchasing 7 copies of The Farmer’s Almanac as gifts to his neighbors. There are many who are old enough to appreciate the entertainment found in that read and what an original choice, as well as inexpensive!
Technology has certainly become an essential part of all our lives. Computers are one of them. I used to think it cheating somehow to send E-Cards in lieu of a purchased card mailed by hand. I thought about the length of the average must –send- to list and weighed out the cost (buying the card and stamps) involved as opposed to sending one thru E-Mail, one thing remained the same for both. Thought and time spent choosing either greeting seemed to be about the same. So if it’s the thought that counts, and in a time where economizing could mean keeping the pantry from forming gaping holes, I have come to the conclusion that it’s not such a bad thing to do. Of course the down side is not having the “real cards” to stack up or display but then there is always the option to utilize a printer for the special ones.
I guess what I am trying to say is times change and sometimes require things from us that we are not used to. If we are not open to adjusting or evolving along with them then we might find struggles that are not necessary. Some of the old values and traditions are becoming obsolete and the cost to hang onto them can become much more than a dollar amount with added stress and pressure in continuing to maintain them. Certain family traditions should remain to be passes from generation to generation.
What doesn’t change is the importance of maintaining relationships with family and friends. The opportunity to gather together to share good food, humor, storytelling and love has never before and never will go out of style or need. It’s something we teach our children by example and experience. The difference is recognizing which ones require modification and the others that should always remain.
"I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure in the landscape - the loneliness of it - the dead feeling of winter.
Something waits beneath it - the whole story doesn't show."
Andrew Wyeth
"An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in.
A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves."
Bill Vaughan
