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It is easy to get very caught up in all the pressure of the holiday season and
to forget the real reasons for all the activity. This is supposed to be a season of
waiting (advent) for an event or events that promise a life more abundant a life of
peace and love, if you will. Some of us who succumb to all the pressure to party,
buy gifts that we can't really afford and eat rich foods that aren't good for us
actually end up getting sick or depressed during the holidays.
To help avoid those kinds of outcomes I offer some thoughts on indications of
the existence of the kind of peace of mind and loving kindness this season points
to at its best. Here are some unmistakable symptoms of Inner Peace:
- A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than from FEAR and based on PAST experience.
- Loss of interest in judging other people.
- Loss of interest in judging self.
- Loss of interest in interpreting the action of others.
- Loss of interest in ESCALATING conflict.
- Loss of interest in WORRY ( a very serious symptom).
- Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
- An unmistakable ability to enjoy every moment.
- Contented feelings of connectedness with others and with nature.
- Frequent attacks of smiling through the eyes, from the heart.
- Increasing tendency to LET THINGS HAPPEN rather than make things
happen.
- Increased susceptibility to accept love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend love to others.
May laughter soften our days and love and appreciation fill our hearts as we move through the coming holidays, and may our symptoms of inner peace be catching to others so that we have a true epidemic of inner peace in our church family.
-- Blessings, Rev. Gail
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