The season, forgiving.

As we enter the holiday season, many of us can start to feel overwhelmed by ‘life’.

We’re swamped with to-do lists, family obligations and all the ‘shoulds’ wrapped tightly with expectation. It’s ironic that this time of the year, a time noted on the calendar for its peace, love and joy, is actually the time when humanity can unravel the most.

But why? It’s simply because we’re depleted of energy. When we’re depleted of life-giving energy (prana) it leaves us feeling exhausted and more emotionally sensitive. And it’s understandable as we’re intently focused on the things going on in our ‘outside’ world. The back-to-back events inviting (and often demanding) our presence. The happenings we need to plan for during the holiday break, and the offerings we scramble to bring together for our nearest and dearest. And it’s all in the name of ‘giving’.

I think what we’re called to ask ourselves is ‘what are we actually giving’?

Is giving the exchange of wrapped presents? Is it the mad scramble to show up, from one event to the next? Is it a clean, perfect-looking house, ready for family gatherings? Is it completing every single task you’ve put aside at work? Is it having it all done, and doing it all? I think not.

Giving is when you connect with love and happiness, and then broadcast that love and happiness to anyone and everyone around you. You see, this love and happiness is pure, life energy. It’s you in your flow. You can simply just choose to tune into your flow of love and happiness, to be it, and then give it. And it’s what we all need the most of this time of the year.

It really is in the simplest of moments. Like the warmth of the smile you offer the barista who made your coffee. It’s the decision to let another driver in front of you during those desperate peak hour drives. It’s stopping for a minute, to truly hear your child, friend, or partner telling you something that’s really important to them. It’s just listening, with love.

One of the biggest acts of love, for yourself and others, is to for-give. Our world is full of people who we feel haven’t always acted with love and honesty, or met our list of ‘humanly expectations’. But just as the sun shines light and love on everyone, so too should we try to come from a place of forgiveness and practise unconditional love with each other. You can’t wrap it, it often goes unnoticed, and you may not receive anything in return but you can absolutely give it anyway!

Right now, all you really need ‘to do’, is go within. Choose love. Choose forgiveness. Choose to be the peace, love and joy of this season. Make it the season for giving.

Blessings to you,

Chiu Chi.