Forced Down Time

It is the forced downtime that comes in the days following the holiday rush that gives me a chance to do better. There is a line from my first book, Cerebrations, that goes…”When I come home to the farm, I find how beautiful it is to do nothing, and then rest afterwards.” That statement, borrowed from an age-old Spanish proverb, holds so much truth. We spend so much time caught up in trying to make the holidays perfect, we forget the peace that is supposed to be found in the season of Advent.

His Highness, the Dalai Lama, reminds us to find the quiet in order to open our hearts and minds to receive positive light. I hold this truth to be authentic. Having a compassionate mind leads to the creation of a happy atmosphere, and that fosters a warm-heartedness within ourselves. I have made it a resolution as we close this year to promote these human values and warm-heartedness in myself and those around me.

After all, I was born lucky – the least I can do is spread my gratitude!