Hello—
…and let's just hit pause for a moment…
Most of us have just been through what was at the very least an atypical Thanksgiving: scaled back, virtual, disjointed, disconnected, perhaps even lonely. It has not only dashed but also not met expectations for the kickoff to our traditional holiday season.
And yet—I'm daring all of us to settle into this pause I've suggested and take the chance to continue to create our own way to celebrate and even honor these last few weeks of what has been a year like no other we've encountered.
It's the perfect time to reflect or retrieve practices and rituals of gratitude. Yes—even in the midst of all this disappointment, sorrow, upheaval and loss. When we can find the way to truly appreciate what we already have even if / when it's not all that we'd hoped for, deep healing can occur.
Let's begin with the simple acknowledgement of "Bless My Life" (2:05). This broadens and deepens the reach of the phrase we often use—"I'm so blessed". It's all encompassing, including not only the smaller mundane moments but also the
grander ones—all of which are indeed blessings in their own right.
Once we've chosen to own all the blessings in our lives: the good, the bad and the ugly, we can then mine those "Riches" (2:01) as resources going forward. We're able to access all that we have and all that we have become so we can truly bask in the glow that is our lives. We can embody our blessings and truly live
them—regardless of what we're undergoing in the moment.
And just how can we honor these aspects of our process? We can draw on the power of "Rituals" (2:21)—not the ones we think we "ought" to be doing, but rather, the ones that speak to us and have been created by us. I've found that that way, their impact is even more powerful.
How do these notions of blessings, riches and rituals speak to you? Can you appreciate and draw on them—despite all the upset we're continuing to navigate? Does one aspect of the practice speak to you more readily than another? If so, what does that tell you about Your Self?
Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions by commenting.
And if you're looking for other ways to stay in touch,
consider these options:
—All SwaffWords© videos are either on my YouTube Channel or in my Facebook Video Library. Just click on a video that speaks to you and then take its teachings right back into your
life.
—Subscribe here to receive SwaffWords© directly.
—Or let's start a conversation. Connect with me through my site or via email.
—And one more thing, Santa is coming a bit early this year. Details to follow…
In the meantime, may you mine your riches, live your blessings and honor them in ways that speak specifically to you.
Here's to your continued healing.
Onwards!—gently.
Breathe…
Until next time—
Thanks much.
Cheers,
Steph
Stephanie Swafford, BCPP, BFRP
"When It’s Time to Listen To Your Self"
