Isn’t it ironic that so much depression occurs around the holidays – theoretically the time of joy and goodwill? Not to mention all out, over the top stress. And dread - the feeling you just have to hold on tight and make it through to the New Year.
We’re so tuned into meeting everyone’s expectations, demands, wishes, and requests, we hardly take time to consider what we truly want.
The last decade weighs in as one of the most difficult of my life. Like being lost in a jungle after nightfall, threats seemed to lurk behind every tree. I often wondered, “Will I ever get out alive?”
Moments of desperation, hopelessness, and despair punctuated my generally optimistic disposition. At times, the breath of death rasped far too close, till I had to turn and look straight in its face.
Personal betrayal, loss and separation, nudged to let go of a dear career, mysterious illness, cross-country and cross-continental moves. On a stress scale all that adds up to a very high score. The stress then folds in on itself multiplying the angst even more. Perhaps this is par for the course in the human realm, but it all seemed exceedingly difficult, overwhelming, and endless to me.
Yet, I endured. I’m stronger, more resilient, and clear as a shiny new pot. At long last, the stars realigned in a more generous and friendly way, streaming the light of insight over all those dark years. So I thought I would share a selection of the potent lessons learned to encourage and inspire those who may be struggling with their own specially tailored version of adversity.
This wonderful guest post from Evita Ochel at Evolving Beings was originally published on my blog last holiday season. I felt a strong wish to share it with you once again due to its timely, helpful, and enduring message.
The winter holidays are right around the corner, and this can leave many of us scrambling and rushing, emotionally exhausted, experiencing more stress than perhaps at any other time of the year.
One of the main reasons that this happens, is that modern society has carved out a very particular “pattern” of what the holidays are supposed to be all about. Mainly shopping, eating, drinking and more shopping.
While some may find this cycle amusing, most move through it unconsciously, fulfilling surface level desires, rather than attaining a deeper meaning and inner peace from their thoughts, words and actions.
The Buddha taught the Eightfold Path for releasing oneself from misery, suffering or dissatisfaction. Out of the 8 tenets, there are 4 that I find can be especially helpful to be extra conscious of around the holidays.
They are, having the right View, Intention, Speech and Action.
And thus this Holiday Season, I invite you to put a different kind of VISA to use – the most important VISA.
Take time this holiday season, to reflect on your views about this holiday. Our views, are shaped by our beliefs. Our beliefs are shaped by our past experiences, which were shaped by the thoughts and views we chose to have about them – consciously or unconsciously.
Hi, I'm Sandra Pawula, freelance editor, writer and inner explorer. I'm here to help you tap into your inner spring of true happiness and freedom.Curious? Read On!
