Family
Christmas Gold
Joy Basdeo
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Joy Basdeo, also known as "Mrs B" is an educator, formerEnglish teacher, an avid reader and storyteller, mother of fourgrown children and grandmother of Zoë. Her weekly columnis intended to assist parents and children select books whichentertain and build character. Children are never too young tohear stories, and reading aloud creates a bond between the readerand the listener. Parents are encouraged to talk with their childrenabout the story. Let them say what they liked or didn't like aboutit, and how they would have told it differently. Let them drawtheir favourite character, or create a sequel of their own, engagingtheir imagination, and strengthening their comprehension and vocabulary.
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Dear Reader,
As you will notice, this is not my regularcolumn, that is I'm not talking about a children's book. Thisbook is appropriate for older, and more thoughtful teenagers.I thought this week of parents rushing around busy with Christmasgift-buying and preparation, and in particular I thought of thosemen and women who might not be looking forward to the HolidaySeason, for whatever reason. You might be beset by cares and worries,perhaps you have lost someone or something important to you, oryou feel overcome by memories of Christmases past.
As parents it is very important for us totake the time to look after our own physical, emotional and spiritualhealth. During the holidays because we get tired and stressedout more easily, it is easy to get the 'blues' thinking that wewill never get everything done on time. At times like this weneed our own time-out to re-charge our batteries and think aboutour own lives.
One way that I take time out for myselfis to read one of the many good books of meditations that areavailable. One of my favourite books is "A Deep Breath ofLife Daily Inspiration for Heart-Centred Living" byAllan Cohen, published by Hay House.
This past week has been a very significantweek for me as I accomplished one of my life goals, and celebrateda special birthday and my gift to you, my readers who encourageme by reading this column is an excerpt from "A Deep Breathof Life" for December 11th.
"There is much more to the Christmasseason than meets the eye. This is the time of year when the humanrace publicly acknowledges the presence of divinity. It is a timewhen angels are accepted as real, and people sing openly in thestreets. It is a time when we are urged to reach beyond self-involvementand bring joy to others. It is a time when we take respite fromour worldly activities to remember the importance of friendship,family and love.
"For many, the Christmas season isa challenging time. The call to love brings forth everything unlikelove and some of us find ourselves feeling stressed or depressed.We face unresolved family issues, and our yearning to be witha special person at a special time is sometimes met with frustrationsand disappointment. We face unwanted obligations to give to certainpeople or to be present at certain gatherings, and the generallevel of rush, stress, and conflict does not decrease in the spiritof Christmas, but only escalates in the name of fear.
"Consider the Christmas season an invitationto master love, an opportunity to practice the presence of Christin the face of vast materialism and insanity. To love in a worldof love is ideal, but to love in the face of illusion is mastery.Heightened materialism during the season is the ego's responseto the increased spiritual energy on the planet. Rather than surrenderto love, the ego tries to distract us from God by dangling goldbefore us. But the real gold is within. You are the gold, andthe game is to find the gold in your brothers and sisters.
"This year honour the Christ in youby remaining at peace. If you never send one Christmas card, showup at one party, or give one present, but remain in love, youwill give the greatest gift of all. As you go through your Christmasactivities, be kind. That is all that Jesus would care about."
Allan Cohen (1996)
A Deep Breath of Life,
Hay House Inc. Carlsbad, CA, USA.
May we allhonour Christ this Holiday Season by living His peace.
Until next week, HappyReading!
Mrs B
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressedin this column are those of the writers, and are not binding onany individual or organization. They are intended solely as guidance.Parents should always use their own discretion in selecting readingmaterial for their children).