Category Archives: Giving

Joy Jam

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It’s Friday, and I am full of all kinds of joy. Heart to heart with a friend, I performed the “Mother of All Releasings Ceremony” last night that I mentioned in my post yesterday. At first, as I was putting together my bundle, I was worried that I had so many releasing wishes, they wouldn’t all fit.

But I restacked them and was able to tie the bundle.

I took it outside and burned it, imagining my friend standing next to me in the cold. As I watched, there were moments when the flame would flare up or flicker especially fast, and I wondered what exactly was releasing. I imagined the wings of the crane I had wrapped them in giving them flight, and the Star of Anise being burnt giving me sight, a clear vision no longer obstructed by grief, attachment, anger, obsession, confusion, fear, or even hope.

Because I had used Star of Anise in my bundle, letting go smelled like licorice.

I feel lighter this morning. Clearer. And content. And joyful.

Here are the three-five things that brought me joy this week, my contribution to the Friday Joy Jam, (click the image to see how to enter yourself in the celebration).

A simple Christmas. It started when Eric and I decided to cut back on how much we did, spent, and gave for Christmas. For each other, and our local family and friends, we either did nothing (i.e. spent time with them, told them we loved and appreciated them, laughed with them), or baked, made something crafty, bought second-hand, or regifted something we already owned, (for example, my mom got a whole box of books that I had already read and loved, and who needed a new home–a gift she will love). I am having SO much fun making Eric’s present, I’m almost going to be sad to have to finish and give it to him. Leo Babauta of zenhabits.net wrote a post that inspired me, “The No New Gifts Holiday Challenge.”

Being on vacation. Seriously, I had no idea how badly I really needed this. I guessed it would be good, but it has been heavenly, and this is only day two!

The chance to reflect and resolve. I found so many good ideas and so much support for this practice this year. I am really excited to get started next week, to let go and clear out what I won’t be taking with me into 2012, and to set my intentions for the new year, send out my wishes and invitations to all the good things coming my way, and then let go of even that and just BE.

Dogs eating fruits and vegetables. I know I have mentioned this before, since Sam and I share a banana every morning, and Obi used to do the same, but I have to say again that I can not get enough of this and almost can’t stand how cute it is. Now Dexter is also eating apples, and the joyful crunching, like when they eat carrots, is super cute. This video isn’t one of my dogs, but nicely illustrates my point.

Claire de Lune. This is one of my favorite songs. And I couldn’t decide which of these videos to share, so I’ll give you both. The first pianist isn’t as technically proficient, but she makes up for it in cuteness, (you know she insisted her stuffed kitty be in the video too). I noticed that YouTube has added a feature to all their videos for the holidays, so once you hit play, if you click on the snowflake in the lower right hand toolbar of the video, it will start to snow.

Here’s wishing you more happiness
Than all my words can tell,
Not just alone for Christmas
But for all the year as well.

Wishing you joy not just today, but this holiday season and beyond!

Full Moon Dreamboard: Full Cold Moon

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Last night was a full, bright moon. It was so light and white out that when Sam went to go potty before bed, he had a shadow that followed him around our snowy backyard.

Full Moon Dreamboards: This is another practice offered by Jamie Ridler. She describes it this way,

Dreamboards are fun and powerful creative tools. Using words and images, they express our desires and dreams, making them easier for both us and the Universe to see. Engaging in a regular process of dreamboarding can inspire, increase self-awareness and help you manifest your dreams. And to infuse this creating with even more energy, we harness the power of the moon by making or sharing these boards when she is full.

This is my first Full Moon Dreamboard, Full Cold Moon, (you can click on the image to see a larger version). This moon’s question:

“What comforts are you dreaming of?”

Some of the themes and elements that came up for me as I worked on this:

The ocean. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, only a few hours from the ocean.  Living with the sun and mountains of Colorado is home, but so is being near the Pacific. And even though I miss it every day, I still feel so connected to it.  Every other summer, Eric and I rent a house in Waldport, Oregon and spend a month hiking, eating seafood, reading, taking naps, and walking up and down the beach. This coming summer is the year we get to go, so I am dreaming of the comfort that place gives me.

Balance. Practice and study, but also stillness and rest, a blend of comfort and craft.

Connecting to center, the heart of wisdom and compassion. A return and rest in stillness and simplicity, mindfulness and meditation, the seat of power and love.

Blue. The water, the sky, the Medicine Buddha, (the doctor who cures suffering using the medicine of his teachings).

A return, a connection to what is simple and true. That which is never faded or broken or lost. Freedom from attachment to external things, a settling in to being, here and now.

Gifts. Connected, centered in self-love, self-care, and self-knowledge, I can simply be. The magic of an open heart and a still & skillful mind is that I also generate enough to share. I hum with power, and my superpowers are gentleness and mindfulness. I open my heart and give away what I don’t need. “Give, look, love.”