You know the drill. The holidays are here. Regardless what others are doing, you've got your work cut out for you. OK, so I'm not including those who say they are "above it all" and have mastered the holiday ritual, all without a bead of sweat on their brow. Good for them. But here in this tiny corner of the world, from this spot before my hearth, I am talking to those of you who wonder, really do wonder, "What's it all about, Alfie?" as the song put it, long ago, for the few of us who still remember.
Yes, you know what the holidays have meant for you in the past. Your family has had its own set of traditions and triumphs, rituals and disasters. At our house, there was the year my uncle Uno unwittingly turned off the oven while cleaning up the kitchen, a well-intended deed left undiscovered until early afternoon when there was zero aroma coming from the 24-pound turkey my mother had put into the oven. That night, all 12 of us sat down for dinner at 6 p.m., without said turkey. At 11 p.m. we had the bird. While I had never seen my mother angry at her brother, who lived with us from time to time, that year, there was a cool Finnish breeze in the otherwise overheated kitchen between them. Each family has its own lore of the unexpected, as well as tales including the hopes, the kudos, and the disappointing moments.
But this year, I find myself wanting to go deeper. As is my habit, off to the "root cellar" I went to consider just what it might look like to enlist the art of creating something more beautiful this holiday season. We can get so caught up in the "machinery" we create from our beliefs about what is expected, that we can forget about the importance of creating something beautiful that is relevant in the now of our heart.
What came to me while "on the cushion" was a December few consider. Not the one we routinely think about, the story of Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago when it is said that field hands and kings, mortals and angels, cows, sheep and one donkey oversaw the birth of a child. Not the usual birthing circumstances, this baby boy was perceived to be so threatening to the status quo that the ruler ordered his death, one which did not come for some three decades later. Most years, this is what the season connotes.
This year may we consider another December event. It did not happen in a Bethlehem manger, but on another continent and in another time. There are similarities. In each case, there's encounter with the "mystery" -- what emerges threatens the power-mongers. In each case, the inexplicable announces its existence to the humble, the low-of-station. In each case, the natives were undergoing enormous stress and persecution. Neither event came from mortal effort. Nor in either case is there a reasonable explanation. What is also true is that today, looking back on each, it is clear that lives who have allowed themselves to be touched by the mystery have never been the same since. Those who have encountered these exquisite events internally have been required to a leap in soul consciousness that has very real implications in how we are to live each day. Today, as in long ago, the very mention of both events begets suspicion as surely as it does hope.
Visit From the Unknown
An abbreviated version of the story goes like this:
Once upon a time, on Dec. 9, 1531, a humble Aztec man by the name of Juan Diego was trudging through his day when he encountered what has been called by some the "Aztec Virgin," by others, simply "Guadalupe." Called by many names since, on that cold December day Juan Diego had no awareness of her, or what was ahead. All he knew was to travel the road he was walking. Like the rest of us, he was no better or worse than others. He was living in a time when the one percent of well-moneyed were in charge, producing untold suffering for the people as they endured governmental and religious corruption at the top. The Aztecs had been conquered by the foreign, leaving a blood-stained trail of genocide.
They say on that particular morning, Dec. 9, 1531, in a place known as Tepeyac, now Mexico City, Juan met the one known as Guadalupe. Radiating the numinous, the lady asked him to tell the bishop, Fray Juan de Zumarraga, to build a temple for her. Terrified, for to do so could cost him his head, Juan obeyed. The bishop, of course, demanded proof. Shortly thereafter, Guadalupe appeared to Juan. He was afraid. But, as good mothers do, the Guadalupe met his fear with comfort, then asked him to climb to the peak of Tepeyac and return with what he found.
Seeing that he was afraid, it is recounted that she said: "Am I not right here, who is your Mother?" She asked him, "What is there to fear, for you are under my protection." Comforted, he did as she bade, returned to the bishop with the roses he had wrapped in his robe, the very same he found in the snow atop Tepeyac, flowers which did not grow in that land. When the bishop saw the roses, he spotted what Juan Diego had not: the imprint of the Guadalupe in his garment.
Humbled by the mystery, the bishop agreed to have a temple erected in her honor. Today, the cape hangs in the Basilica in Mexico City, where hundreds of thousands of pilgrims have gone to witness that which does not age.
A Message for Our Times
This is not the end of the story. When compassion presents itself in life-changing ways, there is always the attempt to render it mute. Whenever we are enjoined to honor the wisdom that lies deepest in our soul, those who would hold us captive to their own power-based agenda would attempt a cover-up. Imagine what might happen if each of us were to get up, stand up, speak up, reclaiming the authority of our own hearts' wisdom way? Imagine the possibilities! Well, my friend, there are those who would prefer to keep you in the dark, demean and disregard what is so, and spend considerable effort to convince you of your unworthiness to "know better" than they. They wish us to go away, stay meek, make no waves. But just as true, there is something greater than our monkey minds at work in the world, something more powerful that is operating in our own best interest.
One of the messages of the story of "Guadalupe" is this: Love is a choice. We get to choose how we wish to live. We can live as prisoners of fear, or we can arise and make something beautiful out of our life and time with one another. This year, I for one am making a shrine, an intentional sacred space for her, for the one that still lives through hope in our heart that we may be well, that we may be happy, at peace, that we might grow in the way of love. I have set about to do just this. Were you to come for a visit, you would see her as you entered my front door. Standing there before you, a vision of beauty would greet you with her smile. Adorned with moss and berries, a bird by her feet, and winter branches behind her, her message never varies: "Am I not here, who is your Mother?" "Then what is there to fear?"
Her story continues.
Your turn: What thing of beauty would you like to create in a designated sacred space this year? How do you prepare the way for the beautiful mystery to meet you, in your every day life filled with so many practicalities? How would life be different if we knew there was nothing to fear? I'm listening! May the "reason for the season" be lived out each day for you and yours, this 2011.
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Our beautiful new home, and the fresh start it represents, represent the successful achievement of our goal for 2011: getting out of our mold-ridden and disintegrating doublewide into a healthy environment. I'm been looking ahead for goals in 2012.
I've already got one: I become a writer again in the professional sense. But I'll add your challenge, of creating beauty in a sacred space. I will continue to beautify our home.
Believe me, I do consider it a sacred space! And I don't mean the place will look like a decorator's display or a furniture catalog. :)
But the floors will be clean. Sunlight will enter through open curtains. We'll find more neat pieces, such as the camel-saddle footstool my husband found for five bucks at a yard sale. The cats will pose decoratively on windowsills. The kitchen will smell of homecooked food -- well-balanced, I hope, with the occasional fragrance of oatmeal-fig-almond cookies. (Last batch came out of the oven three hours ago!)
Love, as you say, is a choice. I am choosing to make our home a sacred space, a place where I can renew love and take it out into the world.
May I wish you all blessings that delight your hearts, all wishes for endless moments of true Presence, all fortune in what is the greatest wealth, health, and well-being.
For me, the 'decorator look,' never quite deeply satisfies, for it is barren of that which warms my heart, invites my curiosity, welcomes the question marks, and seems, in short, too sanitized, and puts off the creative Spirit as it lives in the owner. That's just me, no doubt. I love comfy.
Your place sounds just right to welcome your writer, and all who Seek that which restores and renews.
Funny you mentioned writing. This morning I just got a proof of my new book, (2012) called
The Love Project: Coming Home. I am thrilled. Now, all I need is a distributor. Any/all good ideas/contacts most welcomed.
So much love to you, my friend. All who enter your portal are blessed, indeed,
Cara
My designated sacred space is my body and mind and I am preparing the way for the beautiful mystery to meet me by truly accepting what is which erases my feelings of being unwanted. When you get to where I now am, fear holds no sway anymore.
I have removed the dark glasses and live my vulnerability because I know and have finally experienced the facts that nothing can harm me except the thoughts in my head and FEAR truly is false evidence appearing real.
I think its this very same vulnerability which I equated as weakness that is now attracting unlkely sources to go all out to support me. That's awesomely beautiful.
Library is tellin gme to sign off so cheers my dear.
Catherine
I saw a gift today and thought of you. It was a gold heart on a gold chain. One word was imprinted onto the surface at the center. The artist must have thought of you when he/she etched into the heart: Loved. That is you. I am sending the locket your way in virtual space. Wear it knowing that it is so true of you.
Thank you for your Light through your strength as vulnerability, and genuine being,
Cara
I've led a long and varied life. My Occupations have molded my thoughts of what is good and what is bad. In that corner you speak of I would like to place cynicism, distrust, fear, and my true world engrained in my mind. I would like to leave all past learnings there and start over again.
Now, that is what would be nice. Doing something different is a great idea. I believe that new things bring with them an altered presents here. A new path to follow for want of better words. A new corner filled with the "Milk and Honey" that dreams are made of.
Unfortunately, I do not see what is beauty, tenderness, or protection. I see the mystery as reason to worry, plot and plan a defense. Beauty? Tenderness? Hah!! more ways to get me off guard. More ways to defeat my defenses. Once I am taken over by the Siren songs those it is my job to protect are naked and defenseless. I would like a new look into a calm and serene time but, who will stand in my stead?
Thanks Again for a lot to think about.
Regards,
Bill
If you do, PLEASE let me know what unfolds. I promise, you have my ear.
All I know is that doing such baby steps has changed my life, ushered in more aliveness than I thought was possible, even on lousy days!
Cara
Thanks Again. Keep this stuff up and don't stray to far. I enjoy what you put up.
Regards,
Bill
That said, the task before us, by this stage in life, is to unravel the threads of our story that no longer bring us what we want in how we are living. Each of us has our own defenses, which become habitual, and so well-practiced, that it is hard to separate fact from fiction. On days like this, I find it is helpful to invest in Field Work Experimentation. see what follows
con't
I don't 'do' Christmas at all on this side of the veil. One, it's summer, and for all that I'm Australian born and bred and have never known anything else, Christmas in summer just Does Not Work for me. It's a winter celebration (with or without the Christian additions). I'd rather just fast forward to March and avoid it, New Year, summer and school holidays altogether!
But Louis and I have started our own little traditions across the veil. We have the weather for it there, for starters. Celebrating earthly occasions isn't really the way it works among the people I know there; they tend to do spontaneous celebrations rather than having anniversaries. But last year we talked about decorations and whatnot, and he liked the idea an online friend (from the writers' site) told me about. Her daughter puts up stockings for her cats, you see. Now Louis and I share our Home-house with nineteen furry beggars, cats and dogs, and he was tickled by the idea of putting stockings up for 'em. So he did - all over the main room, they were everywhere. We did the whole Dickensian Christmas thing with family and friends over for dinner, and torn up wrapping everywhere from the kitsnpups shredding it. By the look of it we'll do the same this year; he was wrapping presents the other night. It's not specifically Christmas because no religion is involved, but it's sacred enough for us!
So you are an Aussie? I missed this before now. Are you living there now? You know, when I taught years ago, and had exchange students, the Aussies were always my favorites: their warmth, humor, collaborative Spirit so endeared them to all of us.
As for your ritual, sounds splendid to me! The spontaneous has always brought me the most joy for it is creative, fresh, and unpredictable. I can well imagine your Dickensian scene and am warmed by the very prospect.
don't you just love our 'fur children'?
Peace and joy to you each, and catnip in the stockings,
Cara
Glad to see you had good experiences with your Australian students!
Spontaneity is a key component to pleasure, fun, joy - the unplanned stuff is often the best. I don't mean surprises; I don't like being put on the spot by other people's surprises at all, on this side, except when it's Louis doing it.
Christmas morning there should be fun - or whatever day we actually have our "Christmas day", since it's dependent on my crossing over at night - Louis's presents for the furkids are going to start exuding attractive scents, so there'll be a fine mess once the kitsnpups start shredding the paper!
Love,
Louise
This is so piercingly elegant and beautiful because of its simple truth:
...Love is a choice. We get to choose how we wish to live. We can live as prisoners of fear, or we can arise and make something beautiful out of our life and time with one another.,,
1. The thing of beauty that I would like to create is a wonderful memory in the sacred space of my grandniece's mind. I'm an atheist, not a Scrooge, so Christmas tree; going up, stockings; being hung with care. Christmas songs; on the stereo and candles lit throughout the upstairs open areas. Magic and wonder are not gifts you give to children. Those are birthrights to all kids. What you give them is opportunity to let their own amazement and sense of awe make the magic
2. I prepare to meet the beautiful mystery in my everyday life simply by possessing a strong sense of awareness for just how much I really have to be grateful.
3. How would life be different if we knew there was nothing to fear? If we all knew it, then the people who harm others would possibly stop. So much hurtful behavior is rooted in fear. Fearing that they won't have enough leads many a soul to actions of evil. You don't hoard or steal or perpetuate genocide in order to take lands when you deeply believe that your needs will be met.
All my love,
little brother
As for #2, I do believe 'gratitude is where it's at,' as it always helps me reconnect in the most meaningful way. Know that you are high on my list, Mike.
I am hard pressed to think of any hurtful behavior that is not rooted in fear. There is a biochemistry to fear as well.
Much much joy and love to you and your family,
Cara
This is very good statement. I don't mean to be disparaging but I am not a believer in the supernatural. I do believe that "something more powerful is operating in our own worst interests.
"I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country...corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed." U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, 1864
You know, I am not a believer in the 'supernatural,' either. I do find it compelling, however, when something happens that fascinates the scientific world, is measurable, and yet, cannot be explained. I suppose it is the 'life long learner' that lives deep within my psyche.
cont
Like you, I do believe that there is something afoot, beyond our monkey minds, that operates. I think Carl Jung was right when he said that while we would like to believe we control it all, we are "...not the master of our house." Meaning,that there are so many aspects of our nature at work, of which we are completely unaware, and that these aspects can lead us personally and collectively down streets that bring us to the brink. Just as Lincoln described, there is cause for a mighty big tremble here, now, as we close out 2011.
May we each awaken more and more each day, each moment, and reconsider what really matters beneath the money and power games that lead us astray to faulty altars.
Cara
My pain is greatly relieved for a short time being caressed by my wife. She’s always said that she doesn’t believe it, she thinks I’m only trying to steal a feel…! I asked her if maybe she is a healer; can she relieve the pain of others? She said, that’s silly.
Tune break: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBLDxgrDVO4
"reconsider what really matters beneath the money and power games that lead us astray to faulty altars.â€
Just to understand; is this one of the qualities that dwells within us regardless of the insanity we face ...?
I once viewed that phenomenon as a pyramid of sorts. Lately, I consider it more conical and pulsating with a seemingly random oscillating frequency or alternating current; which is to say, much or most of what I felt when imbued with the vibrations of the American Culture (Yes, I dare use that oxymoron as a pun.) was not my own emotional experience of "the holidays", but that of "the madding crowd".
I was never effective at tuning out or filtering those affectations. They are, however, barely able to breach the expanse of the Pacific. I have been more calm since Thailand applied its balm via relocation.
Now-a-days I have only today. I do what I can to ameliorate each moment. Well, you know, when I stop to not think about it.
PS: Once Upon a Time ... http://bit.ly/sUjHps
Regarding your message: I relate 100%. While overseas during the holidays several times, this perspective really opened me to new possibilities. When I returned to the States, the holiday were never the same for me. In fact, I have 'opted out' of the fanfare, and my own celebrations have returned to the minimalist, which well suites me. I prefer lots of quiet, time for reflection, warmth, sweet Soft Spots with those I love, be they family, friends or strangers, (*my son used to say that 'strangers are just new friends I haven't let into my heart yet" when he was three and four). Simple food, real conversations, genuine regard....all mall free. Delicious.
Right now, I am lighting another candle on my hearth, beside the red berries and rejoicing in you and what you give so beautifully.
Thank you, gems,
Cara
Two sisters sharing their love for one another and music.
That is the beauty for this Holiday, something creative and would bring joy to music lovers. Sorry for the ones those are tone deaf :(
Anoushka Shankar & Norah Jones - Easy
http://youtu.be/VCdL-UD0x3g
BTW, I think that CD by Karen Taylor-Good is called 'Song Guru.' If you can't find it, I shall check again.
I'm raising my cup of predawn hot cocoa to you!
Cara
Thank for introducing me, for you another one....Karen Taylor Good - 'Angels Wings'
http://youtu.be/Anux4pwInV8
Have you read An Unknown Woman: A Journey to Self-Discovery by Alice Koller? She spends a wintertime at Nancucket with in much solitude with her German Shepard puppy. I've been thinking of Alice and her winter and her inner journey and how wonderful that time would be, to take an inward journey and keep a journal and really get to know oneself. The book was written years ago but as relevant today as it was then.
Wish you peace and love as always dear Cara.
Re the reference: I had not heard of this book but will check it out. Years ago we lived in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Nearly every morning predawn, a herd of 10-12 deer would come for a visit to my studio, pressing their noses on the glass near where I was writing and painting. My daughter was nearly two at the time, and we had many chats about Santa's reindeer. Now, her baby is nearly two. Time passes. THanks for the return to that memory. My life shifted in such a beautiful way at that time, turning away from the insanity of the world, and into the depths.
Peace, joy and love your way. I'm off to phone my daughter to share the memory!
Cara
thanks dear friend,
hugs and love
I needed this extra dose today ... with much gratitude to you and to all of these amazing people who partake in your offerings here in this blog ... much love.
xo,
Donna
I am moved by the principle of love being a choice. Though all actions and beliefs are choices when, as you said, we pay attention, they are still guided by historical influence from the multi-headed medusa of culture, media, politics, family, peers, economics, and occasionally religion, which together can render focusing on creating a true thing of beauty more difficult and less accurate; for what is beauty but one’s reflection on the past’s influence used as a line in the sand of judgment.
I like Jackandcoke’s idea of making his heart the sacred place; that seems right. As the conceptual center of one’s being, it can serve to combine knowledge of nowness with any accumulated wisdom, which when applied to those “choices,†renders them honest, or at least more honest.
What is more beautiful and sacred than seeing clearly one’s place and purpose as defined by one’s heart? As for fears about facing challenges; they may hang about, but become less relevant in the light of clear headed focus and appreciation for what is seen while passing from the past to the present, from being lead to leading oneself, and from the expectation of love as approval to the choice of sharing it as a gift.
A true choice of gifts whether expressed as time or money, a present, or just your presence, is born from love in your heart.
From mine… love,
Lawson
Ah, the Mystery of it all!
Cara
Yes, it did come to me one day, when observing a response to an act of cruelty, that even love is a choice. That is, whether I choose freely to react or respond, regardless what is 'afoot.' That old medusa can be a real bugaboo, when it comes to doing so, however. So many unconscious encumberments can leave the best intentions in knots!
I, too, appreciate Jackandcoke's idea and invitation. What place could be a better sacred space and sanctuary than the heart? This is the root cellar for all that is Beautiful, Wise and Loving.
As for the fears, when they arrive to my door, I do my best to remember they are uninvited guests. Sometimes, it takes me longer than others to remember I am in charge of the door!
You are the gift, this very moment, born from the love in your heart. So grateful, am I!
Cara
Our unconscious encumbrance! What baggage we waddle through life with if we do not become aware of our burden. What keeps us from the changes that would reveal and instigate that better life to be lived? How to have the conscious mind dredge into and address those tales, half-truths, biases, and fears we drag along? What do we do to ensure the next generation is less weighed down and more aware? Just wondering...
I am sticking with my heart.
Grateful too!
Lawson
Thank you for your wonderful article, it was great food for thought.
What has bothered me, particularly this year, is the fact that so many people think this is simply a religious time, and that if we don't wish each other "Merry Christmas" then we are all doomed.
Although I am of no religion, I do understand what this time of year holds for so many, and I respect that. But several religions have celebrations this time of year, and so many seem to forget that a simple "Happy Holiday" greeting is not a snub, but a simple matter of respect to others.
Personally, I celebrate the holiday by giving myself a gift: I work with homeless veterans. I do this for the most selfish of reasons, it makes ME feel good. I serve meals at a shelter, and try to help out when and where I can. I'm not wealthy, and I can't afford to give to every charity I'd like to, but I do have some time that I can donate, and I get to see the looks of appreciation on so many "lost" faces. This is my "thing of beauty".
So, that's how one atheist celebrates the season. I will continue to wish everyone a "Happy Holiday" and mean no offense, but I truly hope you enjoy your celebration, no matter what religion you celebrate. Thanks for your article, and your time.
But, for you I have no other choice but to say to you, upthewazooforus...Happy Holidays and kudos for your wonderful charitable work...Gypsy.
Happy Holidays,
Cara
(I still love your screen name!) Your Spirit is so, so uplifting. The fact that you recognize that 'doing Good' is to your benefit is marvelous, and true. Maybe this is why volunteering 'for the other' can seem so sticky, and false. We give because we benefit by doing so. Even our physiology is better for it.
People who cannot accept 'happy holidays' as a greeting are simply forgetting the original 'meaning for the season.' We are entering winter, the darkest time of the year. So, Light, in whatever form, working with homeless veterans, proving food and help, serving meals, and so on, is an act of holding our candle in the Darkness, a celebratory act were there ever one.
The way I see it: another's path is none of my business. But, when their Light is shining, I rejoice in the fact that they are giving themselves, their best selves, permission to shine.
You are shining, my friend, and I am grateful,
Cara
I just want to say I believe words can be a gift and you use yours well. I found this story healing.
I guess mothers do understand allowing for a way to be made for that which is becoming.
There are mothers, and then there is the archetypal Mother of Life, which is that something invisible that is with us in our hearts, even though it is dishonored and muted in this world. 'She' lives through our connection with one another, and with our soul.
Always a gift to see you here,
Cara
My heart is the designated sacred place that I’d like to create more beauty. Releasing all fears and having no expectations opens me to receive and appreciate the winds beautiful mysteries.
Life would be different if I didn’t have this concern about our looming workforce reduction the next quarter. I work for one of those large financial institutions we’ve been hearing about of late. It’s a familiar story we know all too well.
Is there any place, ever, more important than the one you have chosen? Here is the perfect habitat for beauty, love and wisdom.
Yes, the story you describe is one which touches each of us who are paying attention. The antidote? Staying with the present moment. Here, we can breathe anew, remember what is, rather than what may not be.
I'm with you.
Love,
Cara
Peace and love ,
Cara
is a choice." In my darkest days of anger, anxiety,
sleeplessness and depression I began meditation. It was not
for enlightenment but for a simple 20 minutes of relief from
constant, gnawing anxiety. Months into this daily practice I
had the realization that I was becoming an ugly, angry,
resentful person. I had to choose - stay on this path of fear
or choose love. The path has been interesting indeed. For
anyone who reads this just know - you can choose to "create"
love in your life. Bring it into yourself and hold that
"feeling" of love as long as you can. You will be amazed what
will happen. I promise. Cara with your inspiration, I will
use this same process to call forth and expect. "the beautiful
mystery to meet me, in my every day life."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBhgY7W5ZIY (a ten minute
meditation - or just some soothing music) You, my friends, are
all beautiful mysteries! Bill"
As for the rest, this is a beautiful village, and for me, well worth the time and attention!
Cara
Thanks for all your contributions here at Cara's Place this year. You are a beautiful person dear lady.