Dropping this off to highlight something positive, packed with so much good stuff. Stuff we need today. Don't be surprised if you get a dose of oxytocin during your visit. And if you don't make it back here, that's ok because they have some excellent resources to enable all of us to make kindness the norm.
Random Acts of Kindness website
February reminders…
Your time is too valuable for self-doubts and worries.
You are already and will always be loved.
It’s ok to do what’s best for you.
The only person you can’t afford to lose is you.
No worries, no hurry; you’ll get there step by step.
Imbolc
This steady rise of a new year’s
unharnessed energy can quickly become uncontrollable chaos. But oh, the
potential!!! Take a close look at that world. Inside potential exists all which
is potent – from the Latin word potentia meaning power.
This week we observe the midpoint of winter, known as Imbolc, which follows the winter solstice (Yule) and precedes the spring equinox (Ostara). The annual celebration known as Imbolc lasts from dusk on February 1 until dusk on February 2. The traditional day to commemorate Imbolc is February 1, while some choose to do so on February 5 when the sun will be at its exact astronomical midway of 15 degrees Aquarius, or on the second full moon following the winter solstice, known as the Full Snow Moon. Around the world, many different religions observe this Gaelic holiday in unique ways.
After months of turning inward, of
hibernation and rest, life is beginning to stir again.
Historically,
and even today, Imbolc marks the start of spring and the birth of the first
lambs. Spiritually, this is a time of new life coming into manifestation. We
may only be seeing the tiniest hints of life above the surface, but things are
really beginning to stir in the darkness. Imbolc (pronounced IM-bolg or
IM-bolk) is Old Irish for “in the belly.” Also known as Oimelc, Lady Day, and
in Christianity, Candlemas or St. Brigid’s Day. Other names include Feast of
the Torches, Lupercalia, the Feast of Pan, the Snowdrop Festival, the Feast of
Waxing Light, Brighid’s Day and many, many more names. This is a time to
welcome the change by lighting white candles.
This time of year correlates with pregnancy and Brigid, the Celtic goddess of fire and fertility, is honored at this time. The seeds of spring are beginning to stir in the belly of mother earth. The term oimelc means ewe’s milk. Around this time of year, many herd animals give birth to their first offspring of the year or are heavily pregnant. As a result, they are producing milk. This creation of life's milk is part of the symbolic hope for spring.
Over time, Brigid was named St. Brigid
by Christianity. Irish nuns, babies, midwives, dairy maids, and animals all
have Brigid (or Bridget) as their patron saint. St. Brigid's and the goddess
Brigid’s origin tales are very similar. Both have ties to milk, fire, the home,
and infants.
Through the regenerating force of the Sun,
Imbolc serves as a time of purification following the shut-in life of winter. Additionally,
it is a celebration of light and fertility that was previously celebrated in
Europe with enormous bonfires, torches, and fire in all its forms. Here, fire
stands for both light and warmth as well as our own personal inspiration and
enlightenment.
For many of us, these last few months of turning inward were all about identifying the things within us that we’re ready to let go of…to release. Those old heavy branches and dead leaves that we’re finally ready to clear away. Imbolc is the time to really let those things go once and for all. With the new year comes the talk of resolutions and goals, whether we act on them or not. The idea of out with the old and in with the new melds agreeably with this time of the year.
So, it’s easy to
say Imbolc is a time of transformation and change.
Sure, ideally, we talk about personal growth, change, and letting go of those things that no longer serve us with heartfelt anticipation and excitement. But deep down inside it also scares us! Change is easier said than done.
As creatures
of habit, we like things that are familiar and comfortable. But real change
requires us to let go of all that. We must set aside what we know and step into
a new way of being. And that can be extremely uncomfortable.
Somewhere, someone just read this paragraph, uttered “Nope!” and moved on to another
website or blog.
Imbolc brings us the opportunity to face these challenges. It’s a time of being tested. Just as the seeds and bulbs buried in the darkness of the earth find the strength to form new growth and reach upward, we too have the strength required to make real, lasting change. Can you leave what is safe, comfortable, and familiar in order to grow more fully into yourself? (I believe, yes you can!)
Maybe these last few months you have been dreaming up new plans and ideas for the year ahead. Dreams immerse you with hope and excitement, lighting the fires of creativity and inspiration within you. Allow this fire to give you the strength to walk through this challenging time of being tested by change.
Just like the groundhog making headlines this time of year, we’re also beginning to poke our heads out from our own inner worlds. This is the time to begin to bring your own inner work, those dreams and changes you’ve been dreaming about, out into the world.
How shall you emerge in the light of a new, young sun?
The colors and symbols of Imbolc:
o
White, red or orange candles
o
Sun symbols
o
Snowdrops (first flower of spring) or
daffodils
o
A tabletop fountain
o
Something woolen or a sheep figurine
o
Early greens like wild garlic
o
Incense. Musk, frankincense, and myrrh. For
boosting energy, try cinnamon, basil and rosemary.
A little backstory on Monday Morning Motivation...
Two years ago, the effects of exposure to the daily put-downs, arguments, and constant negativity doled out on social media began to take a toll on me. Working for the State in child-welfare at the time added to the heaviness. Fortunately, being an employee of Health & Welfare gave me access to health resources, and one of those resources was Lunch & Learn seminars available to employees via Zoom and WebEx.
One of the topics offered was the benefits of gratitude, and the scientific proof demonstrating the effectiveness of practicing daily gratitude. This practice can rewire our brain to be more positive, in a world that for all outward appearances seems hell-bent on tearing us down. Especially media, every form of media be it television, movies, music, and especially social. Some days it feels like everything we hold near and dear to our hearts, every belief we cherish, is being washed down a pitiful drain into the bowels of contempt for one another.
In addition, I had taken a course on Coursera titled "The Science of Well-Being" and in that course Professor Santos talked about hedonic adaptation.
From that, a seed was planted in my mind.
And so, I started sending out a private message every Monday to close friends, family, and co-workers (especially the latter, given the circumstances). Messages sent first thing Monday morning, designed to lift anyone who needed it that day. Nothing preachy or moralistic. Simply good, healthy positive words about them. I think the very first message I sent was "You are brilliantly amazing."
I do this with no expectation in return. It is my way of practicing gratitude and connecting with people. Just to let them know I'm here. Some look forward to it each week, others respond and tell me those words were just what they needed. Others never respond, and I've only had one person who responded to let me know I could stop sending them. I didn't ask why; I just honored the request.
Is it working? Yes, I believe so. I know it helps me and many others.
Monday, September 19, 2022, came and like every year before, I let it go; but not before marking it with a few minutes spent in silent vigil remembering you.
