TheLeaderInside.com

What Do the Holidays Mean to You?

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”

~~~ Mother Teresa

Oftentimes the true meaning of the holidays can get lost in all the details. You know what I mean — all the different things on your plate — the festivals — the feasts — the decorating of the house — the overloaded to-do-lists and many other obligations and commitments which have a way of arising at this time of year.

Some of these are designed to be times for celebrating life, new beginnings, and traditions, but what so often happens is we get so wrapped up in the stress of the to-do-list, that we forget what it’s all about. Yet there are many unique and satisfying ways to celebrate the holidays without spending too much money or becoming exhausted in the process. Whereas the media, and possibly even loved ones, may encourage you to do and buy more, concentrating on the spirit of the season by giving love and hope during the holidays can help you do more with less. You can create new holiday traditions that help you focus on what you find important.

Many of you know that I follow a Buddhist lifestyle. Even though Buddhists don’t have a particular thing to celebrate this time of year, there’s no reason why this isn’t a great time to take stock of what matters most to me, you, or anyone, regardless of our spiritual beliefs.

What matters to you? Is it family, friends, community, helping those less fortunate, or loving the earth? If you feel driven to give the people in your life gifts, consider presents that encourage positive living or where the gift will have impact felt long after the holidays are over.

Think about donating your effort to making someone else’s life better. Maybe you could make a charitable donation or plant a seedling tree in a loved one’s name. A couple of my favorites are to make a contribution to a place like Heifer International or to Oxfam or Kiva. When I’m asked what I want for a gift, I ask people to make a contribution to help someone else and I suggest these organizations. Instead of giving your friends and family material goods, give them the gift of your time. Time spent making homemade gifts can give you a chance to ruminate on what you treasure about your loved ones.

When exploring the true meaning of the holidays and getting back to the true spirit of the season, allow yourself to alter existing traditions. Even a blessing before a meal or a walk under the stars can help you reconnect with the holidays. Do what fulfills you and then stop before your celebration becomes more of a hassle than a happy occasion. Get back to the basics of generosity and goodwill, and your holiday will certainly be a rewarding one.
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Always remember this wonderful quote from Buddha ….

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

~~~ Buddha

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I meditate every day to help keep me centered. Those glimpses we get of peace, love, acceptance and happiness when we’re meditating will soon grow into more than glimpses if we keep practicing. Keep those feelings alive. A meditation can be as simple as one, deep, conscious breath. When something happens in one of your moments to cause you to suffer, just stop and take one of those breaths and remember, “This too shall pass!” Another thing that is wonderful, especially at certain times of the year, is to have a fresh flower where you work. Just stop from time-to-time and look at it — don’t label it — don’t judge it — just be with it for a couple of moments. It really does work. It’s winter where I live so I do miss my fresh flower.

“Each flower is a soul blossoming out to nature”

~~~ Gerard de Nerva

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In my meditation I often use what I believe is a powerful aide to deep meditation. It’s the The Holosync Solution.

Rather than write volumes about what it has done for me over the years, there is a new video available called, “One Simple Thing, The Amazing Holosync Story“

Take a few moments, click the link above and check it out. It’s a good one.
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“Those who really seek the path to Enlightenment dictate terms to their mind. Then they proceed with strong determination.”

~~~ Buddha

Namaste!

You are special — and you are loved. You are the greatest gift you can be.

Shanti … (A sanscrit word meaning, “Let there be Peace. Peace, beautiful Peace. Peace within, Peace without. Peace in this world. Peace for all beings.”)

“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

~~~ Buddha

~~~ Ron
http://www.buddhistbelief.com
http://www.theleaderinside.com
http://www.wecould2.com

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