'Tis the Season . . .

If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give. ~George MacDonald

I would like to first apologize for not writing an update sooner. I have been so busy that I honestly didn't have the chance to sit at my computer and write. No, I wasn't busy going nuts over Christmas shopping or pulling my hair out trying to figure out what to give "so and so" and "the other." I've actually been busy creating art and finishing the first of two commissioned pieces. I've been busy envisioning my life in the coming new year. I've been busy enjoying the company of friends and loved ones. I've been busy decorating our home and spending an entire Saturday night listening to new Christmas music from Tori Amos and Mary Chapin Carpenter with Jhon. I've been busy laughing, feeling joy, living the moment, loving, taking it easy, doing IntenSati, looking at our Christmas tree, watching the snow fall, looking forward to time at home . . . these are the things that have gotten my attention.

I haven't set foot in a shop or a mall. I haven't gone into debt trying to buy things I can't afford just out of obligation or to show off. There hasn't been one day so far where the thought of wanting Christmas to be over has entered my mind. Why? Because it has been my intention since the holiday season began, to feel only JOY. It has been my intention to give and receive only JOY. I've made it my intention to focus only on what makes me feel GOOD and in turn, when I'm feeling GOOD, I am able to make those around me feel GOOD as well.

I was struck by some Facebook updates today. So many people were complaining about leaving everything until the last minute. They hadn't bought gifts or had forgotten somebody and needed to run back to the mall. Others were dreading having to wrap 30 presents. Quite a few were wishing Christmas was over and others were asking themselves, "why do we do this to ourselves?" Hmmmm All these depressing updates made me ask the same question actually. Why do this to yourself? Why make the season so overwhelming and dreadful? Why make it so much about the gifts?

There are so many ways to spread holiday cheer that have nothing to do with a Target or a Macy's! There are so many beautiful things you can make yourself that will be treasured and remembered for years to come and not just for a couple of days. There are so many special memories that are waiting to be created and shared among friends and families that will put any store-bought gift to shame. All you have to do is start with the intention to have the best time ever without going crazy. Make it your intention to feel as much loving energy as you can and in return, give that loving energy out into the world. Give of yourself to others and let that be the best gift you give this year. Take a little time to investigate how you can redefine the season. You'll be surprised how all of a sudden, the holiday crunch will seem to have disappeared. In its place will be full-blown holiday cheer. Remember, what you focus on expands . . . what will you give your attention to this Christmas? What really matters?

Peace and Light to you and KEEP DREAMING!

Gene-Manuel

Intending a JOYfilled season . . .

One With Dreams of Love - 2009

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love! ~Hamilton Wright Mabie

I didn't grow up with Christmas. My parents were, still are, Jehovah's Witnesses, so Christmas was never a part of my childhood. Therefore, I came into it, the whole tradition of Christmas, not too long ago. My first tree, a small fake 3ft tree, was bought in like the year 2000. Then, once Jhon and I moved in together, that's when I experienced my first real tree, which was pretty amazing.

I write all this just so that it's clear that I don't have any kind of sentimental attachment to the season. But, even with all that, I have to say that the Holiday Season, has become my favorite part of the year. I can feel some of you rolling your eyes or asking out loud, "Are you kidding me?!" Yes, it can get really hectic and out of control. I've seen that. Luckily, I've never experienced anything like that. And, I really believe that with a little focus on what's truly important during the holidays, anyone can make the season a truly magical time. I'm not suggesting to get rid of the presents or the parties or family get-togethers. By all means, these are all wonderful opportunities to share and create and brighten up the lives of many. Herein lies the opportunities to infuse magic into our lives. How awesome is that?

As in every other part of life, we have the power to make this time of the year, just how we'd like it to be. So, with that in mind. . . how would you like to spend this time? How would you like this festive season to be different from years past? What would make you and those around you the happiest? Is it the "things"? Or is it the laughter, the joy, the smiles of those you love. Material things are lovely and opening presents is one of my favorite things. But, what brings me an insurmountable amount of glee is giving someone else a present. Just the act of picking something out or creating it, and wrapping it, then giving it to that person I care about and knowing that they will love it . . . THAT'S the precious part of it all. So, in actuality, it's not the gift itself that brings the joy, it's the ACT of GIVING. Isn't it? Such a simple thing.

The season is filled with opportunities to bring and receive joy from the simplest of things. The smallest gestures have the capacity to change lives. If we all take the time to focus our energy in making the holidays as JOYfilled as possible for everyone around us, that in itself will change the energy around the entire season. It can go from a stressful couple of weeks to some of the happiest ones you've ever experienced. It's all in how we come into it and with what intentions.

Peace and Light to you and KEEP DREAMING!

Gene-Manuel