Happy New Year!

I’m not a big fan of New Year’s resolutions—I’m in favor of “New Morning” resolutions instead, or even better, as Thomas Merton once wrote:  “It is morning, afternoon, or evening.  Begin.” But do consider this one: “I will pay attention this year.”

This encompasses a lot of what resolutions are about, whether you’re looking to be a better parent, to take better care of your body through diet and exercise, or to be a more spiritual or giving person; whether you are trying to foster stronger personal relationships or be more successful in your studies or professional life.  

Paying attention is active, but not anxious; it is engaged, but not on edge.  It is openness to experience whatever is given that day as gift, so it is also without judgment.  Buddhists call this grace “mindfulness.” 

Set aside a few minutes each day around lunchtime and take a nonjudgmental look at how you paid attention that morning. See where you might have encountered the Spirit even if the morning was seemingly uneventful or difficult.  Be thankful. Consider what’s ahead that afternoon and evening and when you may be challenged to remain aware. Pray specifically for help in that situation. The more you do this, the easier the habit becomes, and the more you will see the Spirit at work in your life. 

My prayers for a happy, open, and aware 2012!

Holi-daze!

Okay, where has the last month gone? Where has the last year gone? If you are Christian, or celebrate the holiday of Christmas, then you know where my last month has gone. And if you are in the US, add on top of that Thanksgiving just a few weeks before and whammo--it's "HOLI-DAZE!" yet again.

Just a few ideas to share to offset the commercialism of this time of year. I heard about one family's wonderful Chanukah tradition that could apply to any gift-giving time. For the last day of Chanukah, the parents would ask each of their children to pick a charity to which they would like their parents to donate in the child's name. So instead of receiving a gift that day, the children would make a charitable donation instead.

I think this is a great idea. If you are not done your shopping quite yet, you may want to ask your children to pick something on their list to forego and make a donation instead--it could be the local SPCA or a homeless shelter.  The key is that the children are making some sacrifice. I also would recommend, particularly if your kids are young, to keep the charities local and see if you and your child can make the donation in person.  

Even if you have finished your shopping, think about doing something charitable the week after Christmas, when the kids are out of school.  Tear them away from their new video games and go work at a soup kitchen. If your kids are very young, have them make New Year's cards for a local nursing home. Make it a learning opportunity and have them count out spare change and take it to the local pet shelter. Be creative.

For those of you who are Christian, here's another idea. If you have young children, sometime over the next week or so, have a conversation about what it means for us to receive gifts on Jesus’ birthday. Yes, the story of the Magi is cited as the source of this tradition; but focus instead on the shepherds.  What did they bring? Their courage, their openness, their simplicity…they brought themselves. Talk about what it means to bring ourselves as gift...to others and to God.

Whatever holiday you celebrate this time of year, or even if you don't have a winter holiday tradition, make sure to give the greatest gift you have to give your children--your time. Blessings on your family!