by what relatives or friends have said or may say next. Still others are trying to overcome addictions and they anticipate holiday gathering becoming problematic. Mindfulness and living in the now
mean we live in the present moment, not worrying about even the next minute, nor being depressed about minutes in our past. Too, mindfulness means to fill our minds with good thoughts, thoughts of peace and love, rather than the dizzying pace and fears of not selecting the right gift, the right foods, the right size, the right anything at all. What must we do to obtain that level of peace?
Some will not have the Norman Rock- well type of picture perfect holidays with extended family as family members may no longer be with us. The idea of perfect is what you make of it. And, no matter the situation, you can allow peace on earth to begin with you. Some people choose to serve at soup kitchens, in churches or shelters. Giving of themselves truly is a gift not only to those served, but to their own inner peace and joy, as well. Others choose to offer the gift of time
when funds are short. Offering house- cleaning services, yard assistance, keeping a child so parents can have an evening out, visiting nursing homes, volunteering at the
hospitals, etc. are all gifts of peace during this time of chaos, noise and stress. Again, giving of oneself is the greatest gift of all and does bring the inner peace we de- sire…the silent night of quiet and inner rest. A simple smile is free and needed by us all. The healing peace we seek does not lie outside of us, it truly lies within. It is a choice. Just as forgiveness and content- ment are choices, so is peace. We just have to be willing
“Peace does not mean to be in a place
where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means, in the midst of those, to be calm in your heart.” (author unknown)
Events, including our losses, grief and pain are not the issue; it is what we think about them that causes the lack of peace. We cannot learn forgiveness unless we are betrayed by others; we cannot learn com- passion unless we have our own pain; and we cannot learn empathy unless we have felt what others may be feeling. A key to inner peace is learning to love what is. Those of us old enough to remember
Red Skelton’s skits about hobos may not realize that those were people riding the
rails seeking work. They had once been independent, successful businessmen, having lost all they had in the depression. They, like so many today, wanted jobs desperately. Still, they were proud and made lemonade out of lemons by sharing the little food they had around a campfire, singing, playing a harmonica or fiddle, and telling stories to one another. Outwardly they had nothing, yet they still had pride in who they were - an inner peace! Notice those who need the gift of
YOU! There, you will find the peace on earth we seek…not only during holidays, but all days of our lives. Let There be Peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.
Are you seeking the opportunity to create an inspiring life plan so you can live life with passion, clarity and focus? Linda Cash can help! She has over 25 years as an educator, is a Licensed Professional Coun- selor in West Burlington (just 20 minutes from Four Seasons Mall) and has raised four children. For brief therapy in a com- fortable, private setting, call her at 336- 212-0159, or email her at Lcash2@triad.
rr.com. Visit
www.lindagailcashlpc.com for further information about her practive. See ad on page 24.
Natural Triad Magazine
DECEMBER 2012
37
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