As we draw close to the festive session, we reflect on another year of uncertainty with an unwavering need to care for ourselves and those dear to us.
Christmas time is a time for personal reflection, which can be achieved through the art of contemplation. Reflection allows us to think about our experiences from the past year. We can reflect on how the events in our lives have played out, what surprises delighted us and what may have disappointed us, a time to be still and embrace Christmas’s true meaning.
However, for so many, the last year has been a year of deep emotional ups and downs, and we have all had to experience some sense of loss. We can be grateful for having our family and friends around us, as we would feel isolated and incomplete without them.
The world we live in is very different, full of disruptions from all the strikes; the death of our Queen and the pandemic’s repercussions, making this year probably one of the most disruptive years we have experienced. Therefore, it may not be the merriest time of the year for everyone. It will, for some, be the unhappiest, most demanding and loneliest time. So, please remember that love is the best thing you can give this season.
Christmas also brings up other emotions that we may need to address, as played out in the famous Christmas Carol, where a miser learns the true meaning of Christmas by ghostly visitors reviewing his past and foretelling his future. Looking back at our memories from the past year can allow us to create a window of hope for what we can take into 2023.
Giving yourself the present to reflect on your thoughts and feelings can support you with how you would like things to change. It also allows us to see what modifications we may need to make in our lives. It is a real chance to do the important things that bring us joy or peace.
Wherever you find yourself this Christmas, may I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Love Eileen