HeartBeat

It is the season of giving and receiving, and both are blessings that build upon each other. Giving often comes naturally, but receiving a gift is incredibly humbling. In many religions and cultures, we are taught that receiving is a form of selfishness. We may question why we are receiving such a gift, or feel unworthy of the presentation. Learning to receive is a difficult lesson to learn. Because of our discomfort in receiving, we offer dismissive responses such as, "You shouldn't have!" or "This is too much!" When we are stunted in expressing our gratitude, we deny the giver their value. Expressing gratitude means allowing the other person to feel the complete joy of giving. There is much vulnerability when we yield to another. We may feel beholden to respond with an equitable present. Reacting out of obligation actually takes away the blessing. Simply showing appreciation completes the cycle of giving and receiving, and it adds a dimension of trust in th...

Greed has such a negative connotation and emits a very low vibe. We immediately associate greed with money, and from an early age, we are taught to treasure our money. Wealth is not necessarily a bad thing. Earning money to meet our basic needs and a few luxuries fuels our independence and also provides a sense of security. When we fear a lack or have extreme financial insecurities, we tend to hoard our money and possessions. Those who have gone without, or grew up during the Depression Era, may have ingrained suffering equated with financial resources. The body remembers the feeling of scarcity or loss, and it is difficult to think in terms of abundance. Those concerned with social status may be preoccupied with materialism, which is a close relative to greed. Greed is not limited to money or to an individual person. We see greed in societies worldwide: Someone may take the credit for the work done by a group.  Someone may make false business expense claims.  Some...

There is so much pressure to make the holidays the most wonderful and magical time. While we feel the energy of the season, for some, our body remembers the pain from years past.  We drift into activities that are pain points and triggers such as songs, smells, and even nostalgic ornaments.  For those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, even the loss of a pet, the holidays can be difficult. Some may be revisiting the loss of a loved one's anniversary or birthday. There is a void at the table where a chair was once filled, only accentuating the loss. We have every intention of embracing the love and joy of the season, but the mind and heart hold contradictory feelings. Grief does not take the holidays off. So, whatever you are feeling, it's okay. It's okay to laugh and cry in the same sentence. And it's okay to feel the vortex of grief. Grief is not a permanent state of being. It's okay to feel moments of strength and faith and joy. You are not being disloyal...