“The Coming” Day 2

Did you see it?  The full moon last night?  I caught my first glimpse around 4pm against a pure blue sky backdrop and it took my breath away.   I was at a stop sign, my car full of kids, I glanced up, took a deep breath and BAM…the moon greeted me in it's full splendor!  

I found myself stealing moments throughout the evening just to peek at the moon. 

"The Coming" season is an invitation to steal away for moments of wonder.  Even simple, stolen glances.  The pull of the season as it is celebrated culturally pulls us toward frantic action.  I've experienced "Coming" seasons when I couldn't wait for it to end so I could just BE.  The true Spirit of Christmas invites us to pull away and come home to child-like wonder.  The "action" world can be exhausting, the wonder world bestows energy, passion and hope.  Have you ever asked yourself why kids look forward to Christmas and adults seem to dread it?  Kids are not caught up in the "have to's"  rather the magic they feel around the "Coming."  Yes, could be the coming of presents but who doesn't love receiving gifts?   Gift giving is part of the magic.  And BTW, a little gift giving coaching help follows below.  

Consider, the historical figure we celebrate at Christmas, Jesus, changed the world as it was known, yet, stole away for solitude and prayer on a regular basis.  He never seemed to be in a hurry although people were pursuing him 24/7 seeking Help.  Jesus, taught by lifestyle, the necessity of stealing away moments for reflection, quiet and wonder.  He wasn't a mother or a high power executive, yet, I believe in my heart, he mothered hundreds during his 3 year active ministry life and his impact has been felt for centuries. 

Trust me, it is in the stolen moments we grasp what is real, important and vital for ourselves and others.  

I believe by simply setting the intention to steal away moments of wonder this "Coming" season, you will be amazed by how many times you are prompted to enjoy a moment of wonder and feel the impact of restored passion, hope and energy. 

I also believe Help arrives during those stolen moments.

Toward that end, I would love to hear about your stolen moments of wonder as the "Coming" season progresses. 

One of the ways I steal away during the "Coming" season is a daily practice of beginning my day with wonder by waking up earlier than anyone in my family to sit near our Christmas tree with my coffee to pray, meditate and listen.    It's a time I look forward every year during the "Coming."

Gifting during the "Coming" season. 

I offer a new perspective on gift giving.  Gift giving doesn't have to mean over shopping, over spending, buying just to get gifts under a tree and check off an obligatory gift giving list.  I actually have a strong repulsion toward that sort of gift giving and I refuse to buy a gift for someone because I feel obligated or family tradition.  I'm being honest.  I gave that "tradition" up several years ago.  I give gifts when I find something that feels like it is meant for someone and I'm motivated by love to honor someone with a gift.   It is totally liberating!  I invite you to join me.  

Consider reviewing your gift giving list or perhaps a 'to do' list.  A simple litmus test has the power to chop the list in half.

For each item on the list ask yourself "What's my motivation, love or fear?"  Love feels good, fear will give you an icky feeling.  You know that feeling that creeps in when things are going wrong, a bad stomach, a stiff neck, a headache.  Your body doesn't lie.  It knows the truth within you even if you are not aware in your conscious mind.  So when you are moving in a direction of repulse to your true design, your body will reject it and send a red flag by means of a physical symptom.  In the Martha Beck coaching world, we call this The Body Compass.  

I double dog dare you to give it a try this "Coming" season.  You'll feel good if you follow your Body Compass towards what feels good and you'll feel bad if you drag your body through your "have to" list for the next 4 weeks.