Friends at East Shore!
Happy Holidays! Bodhi Day, Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza and New Year’s
As the year draws to a close, many of us find ourselves swept up in the busyness of the holiday season. We juggle shopping lists, social gatherings, and year-end obligations, all while navigating the news of the world – a world where the foundations of democracy feel increasingly fragile. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or even powerless. But amidst the hustle and bustle, there lies a powerful antidote: the presence of this very moment.
I dare say that this practice is also a solid response to oppression. Presence in the moment affords us the space to resist. It helps us to have control over the thing that we have the most control over: ourselves and our response.
Unitarian Universalism calls us to live intentionally and to honor the sacred in the everyday. But how can we cultivate a sense of presence when so much demands our attention? How can we ground ourselves in a season that often feels anything but still?
Begin with Breath
In moments of overwhelm, return to the simplicity of your breath. Pause for a moment and inhale deeply. Feel the cool air entering your nose, filling your lungs. Exhale slowly, releasing tension. The rhythm of your breath is a reminder: You are here, now, in this moment.
Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful practice that anchors us in the present. Maybe you’ve taken on the challenge I offered to call an old friend to offer three things you’re grateful for. And if not, take a moment each day to reflect on three things you are grateful for. They don’t have to be grand – perhaps it’s the warmth of a cup of tea, the kindness of a friend, or the beauty of winter’s light. Gratitude reminds us of what is good and enduring, even in challenging times.
Reconnect with Your Values
As Unitarian Universalists, our faith calls us to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person and to respect the interdependent web of existence. In moments when the world’s chaos feels too great, return to these principles. Ask yourself: How can I embody these values today? Perhaps it’s through a small act of kindness, a moment of advocacy, or simply holding space for another’s pain.
Find Joy in Small Moments
Joy is an act of resistance in a world that often feels heavy. Make time to notice the small wonders around you: the sparkle of frost on a windowpane, the laughter of a child, the comfort of a familiar hymn. I don’t know anyone who finds joy in cable news, or on social media – carve out moments of joy, let them sustain us and remind us of life’s beauty.
Gather in Community
In times of uncertainty, we find strength in one another. Let us come together in our shared commitment to justice, love, and hope. Attend worship services, join small groups, or simply reach out to a fellow congregant. In community, we remind each other that we are not alone.
As we move through this season of light amidst the darkness, may we each find moments to pause, to breathe, and to be fully present. May we resist despair with acts of love, and counter chaos with moments of stillness. Together, as a faith community, we can nurture both our spirits and the fragile flame of democracy.
Blessings of peace, hope, and presence to you and yours this holiday season
Rev. Will