Tag: Christmas

Thankful for Clarity, the Winter Solstice, & Yoga Chill

Day 3,006

Growth:

There were a few different ideas going through my head today on this topic. Several of the ideas all went in slightly different directions, but they each had a common thread. Clarity.

Clarity is one of the most profoundly powerful resources in our lives. From helping us focus on what is truly important to helping us get at the heart of what needs to be worked on to reminding us of where we should be at any given moment. Clarity can be elusive at times, especially when we don’t actively and intentionally pursue it. Once in our grasp clarity can so quickly point us in the right direction.

Today I was reminded of the importance and beauty of clarity on several occasions. 

Appreciation:

I haven’t usually paid much attention to the Winter Solstice in the past. Maybe a passing comment about it being the shortest daylight of the year, but that was about it. Today it hit me a differently. It was the end, the closing of the solar year, the start of more light, the next phase. Something about the shortest day of the year hit me at a deeper level. It feels like renewal, a fresh start, the beginning of a journey or some sort. Ending the night with yoga encouraged that feeling all the more, an end to the noise, and busyness, a start to calm, relaxation, and a path forward.

Here’s to the Winter Solstice, the end of the darkness, the beginning of growth and light.

Presence:

This evening Becky and I went to a Winter Solstice Yoga Relaxation session and it was so chill. The scent of Christmas hung in the air, the lighting was deeply peaceful. By the time I laid on my mat I was already just about sleeping. The entire practice was so relaxing, a wonderful way to wrap up the shortest day of the year.

Thanks!!!

Thankful for It’s a Wonderful Life

Thankful for It’s a Wonderful Life

Day 2,267

I can’t begin to count how many times I’ve watched the movie It’s a Wonderful Life. Sometime around the holidays it ends up getting played in our house, just like clockwork. Each time I start to watch I kind of groan a bit and halfheartedly look for a distraction. Tonight Becky fired it up and I found myself gravitationally pulled towards the living room to watch it with her. Even though we didn’t finish the movie tonight due to a band concert it seemed worthy to write my blog tonight around the theme of It’s a Wonderful Life.

Growth:

No one steps in the same river twice. Today I was reminded of how the same concepts land differently with the changes lived through life. There were different spots resonating more deeply than ever before, just as other things had done in each of the past viewings. What I’m impressed by most is the ability of the movie to capture so many common emotions at so many different levels. Each time watching it is like a whole new experience

Appreciation:

As mentioned above there’s always something a little different that hits home each time I watch It’s a Wonderful Life. Based on a handful of reasons I’ll keep to myself on this one I was almost sobbing she I caught this short scene…

What incredibly powerful words those are below the picture of Pa Bailey. The words are never spoken, just shown in the bottom corner of the screen for only a few seconds, and can be so easily missed. Blended with emotions building over the past couple of weeks and my mind and heart have been stuck on this concept all night. What a gift this movie still gives after more than 75 years. A dozen words, a lifetime of wisdom.

All you can take with you is that which you give away.

Presence:

There’s something special about sharing emotions and tears with a spouse / significant other / loved one. More than once we both sniffled together and caught each other looking to the other for emotional support and validation of our shared feelings. Knowing that we are in tune with each other at such a deep emotional level is a profoundly powerful sensation.

Thanks!!!