I recently realized that I have not posted anything in recent times to this blog so I thought I would add some thoughts as we approach the Christmas Season. Most of us think of Christmas as a time of giving, receiving and celebrating family. For some it has a deeply religious meaning, for others it is a time to pause and take time for family. For most people it has become somewhat of a stressful time due to the increasing emphasis on commercialization.
For me, I like to remind myself during the Holiday of the blessing that life represents at each moment. I will share a short story that has personal meaning. A little more the 7 years ago I was on a bike ride with friends on a beautiful Fall day when I experienced a sudden Cardiac Arrest. I passed out while on the bike and awakened some time later in the Hospital ER. I learned that a person I had just met performed CPR for almost 20 minutes until the rescue squad arrived. Following open heart surgery I underwent a lengthy recovery and gradually regained my fitness and strength. Last weekend I enjoyed a 2 hour bike ride with friends on a beautiful spring like day in December. There have been many adventures, many moments of shared Love, and many opportunities to help others during the 7 years since this event.
Several things stand out when I reflect on this experience. First, the amazing interconnectedness of life surprises me daily. The chance meeting of a stranger who turned out to be a Professional First Responder at precisely the moment I would need him. Second, we never know what is ahead of us. Every day we awaken presents miraculous opportunities if we pay attention. Third, Love of friends and family connects us with a deeper Grace that resides eternally within each of us. Celebrate this each day of your life and give your attention to gratitude not complaints. Finally, we never know where the path will lead us. What appears to be a disaster can turn into the defining moment of our lives. Give each moment of your life alert attention and trust that the gift within this moment may take time to understand!
Whatever meaning you give to this season, remember that the essential truth is one of Love and kindness to each other. We cannot heal ourselves or the world through conflict or separation. Find within yourself the the Love and respect that you deserve and then share it with everyone in your life. Merry Christmas and Blessings for the New Year. Visit us on the web @ professionalcounselingpiedmontva.com
