“Thank You” is what we say to someone who gives us something, “Gratitude” is what we say to Life! Julio Olallah, MCC and President, The Newfield Network
We have just celebrated our favorite holiday of the year as the gifts are creations of food and laughter and the experience of grace. These are easy gifts for most to give and receive, as the only personal costs are our presence and attention. As you prepare for the season of Light and gift giving, consider this - - it is equally important that you are ready to receive. Here are some coach musings to live on your shoulder while you take some time to reflect on the year or prepare for 2008.
On Giving - -
Perhaps this is the year to awaken early over the holidays to something deeper inside of you.
Give yourself the treat of greeting the dawn around 5AM for something other than the latest sales, at least one morning over the holidays, alone or with someone special. Listen to the world as she wakes. Sit and find that precious still point, asking one or more of these questions to create an inner conversation for discovery or a dialogue with some who cares about you:
o “What is in my heart to give others this year?”
o “How have I loved more?”
o “How do my gifts - - material and talents - - impact the world in some way?
o “What resources am I committed to giving to others as a result of all that I have?”
o “If I created a giving circle of others like me, what could we change?”
o “What is irritating enough to me to exact a change, personally or socially?”
o “What is calling to me now?”
o “What do ‘they’ really need or want in the world, that only I can give?”
On Receiving - -
Waiting for answers requires silence and observation.
Waiting for something is the lesson and promise in most parables or holiday stories. It is why we wrap packages and put them under the tree, or string out the presents, one for each day of the festival. We create the anticipation of an exchange, a perfect gift.
But I find it is rare that people consider holding the intention for what they most want to receive and rare again to witness them opening their hearts to the full and amazing grace waiting to be expressed. When we allow others the joy of giving, we are blessed twice - - first in the experience of the opening of our hearts and second in sharing the purest joy others feel as they give.
As you consider this season, take a time out for you, alone. Take a bike ride or a long walk, soak in a tub, sit on your bed, turn off the TV for a day or two. And when you do take time for yourself, consider these questions:
• “Am I ready to receive all the love I was meant to receive?”
• “How have I learned from even those tough conversations and impatient people in my life?”
• “What am I ready to surrender or give up?”
• “What is calling me, nudging me to respond?”
• “How have I received more LOVE this year?”
• “For what am I most grateful?”
• “Can I pay attention to those quiet whispers and inner stirrings now?”
• “What am I so ready to receive more of in my life?”
• “What is enough?”
Email any awakenings or Ah-Has to dj@pyramidresource.com. We love to hear from you!
