Happy Holidays!
As we gather together in small groups, as well as large, we have to remember that at this time in the Northern Hemisphere - we gather when the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer. For those disconnected from the cycles of nature, it means a time of running around like crazy getting together presents for other people. We must remember that this season is not just about the gift giving, but is also meant to be a time of restoration and reflecting upon ourselves about what our true values are. When we move past the celebrations of family gatherings, we begin to look toward the New Year and the coming of 2017. This is the time when we turn our gaze inward and reflect upon the choices we have made. If we focus on the giving aspect to excess, then what are we receiving? A question to ask ourselves is - am I letting those I care about give, without me really accepting what they have to offer? Too often many people feel drained in this holiday season, because they focus so much on the other. They miss the point of what this season has historically been about.
The darkness does not represent "bad" or "scary" things, it is supposed to be a time of rest, reflection, and inner peace. When one does not feel comfortable with this aspect of themselves, then often times it leads to fatigue, overexertion, shoulder tension, and carrying the stresses of others. As we gather, let's bring back what is sacred by honoring ourselves. If you've gathered anything from these words, if this introduction made you think, do yourself a favor and do something nice for yourself where you turn off the phone for at least 20 minutes to take walk outside. Take a bubble bath. Read that book you've been wanting to read. Do something to replenish yourself, not to spend more of the energy that you don't have.
There are plenty of events for people to go too, but it would be an honorable thing to also be grateful and thankful for the things we have. There are many people out there in the world who do not have what we have. If you can, donate to a local food pantry, or give gifts to the toys for tots foundation.
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The last two Ancestral Healing Circles have been a roaring success! The right amount of people came to do the work, and it was exactly what was needed. This group is beginning to transform into a Ceremony based group, where both beginning ceremonialists and more advanced ceremonialists can share common ground. If you don't know anything about ceremony, don't worry - the more advanced practitioners can help hold the space. You don't have to participate because even the role of "sacred witness" is a role that's an honor. 
