The Spirit of St. Nicholas

We all know the popular stories of St. Nicholas and how he became the patron saint of children. Stories can be found about how he provided money and treats for families when they were in need. Even after his physical life, there are accounts of him stepping in from the other side to help children. St Nicholas is also the patron saint of many other professions and trades including sailors, bakers, bankers, travelers and more.

I believe St Nicholas' patronage with various trades goes beyond the specifics of each profession and relates more to the underlying heart of Christmas Spirit. The heartfulness, generosity, compassion, and perspective of St Nicholas is relatable to all, regardless of what skill or talent one has, regardless of how each chooses to earn a living, and regardless of season. 

The Spirit of Christmas is a beautiful sentiment that most of us can hop on board with this time of year. The notion of giving toys, food, and other necessities increases, as we realize how fortunate we are to have what we have. Hopefully through the combined giving hearts of those with a little more, everyone can feel a glowing warmth at Christmas.   

While the Spirit of Christmas is ever-present at the end of each calendar year, we can remind ourselves to carry over that generosity and perspective all the time. We can notice when others are giving from their hearts - how one simple gesture, kind word, or anonymous deed can bring about joy in a moment. 

Giving is selfless and joyful when it's accompanied with sending hope, love, and generosity to others with the intention their lives might be enhanced in some way. How wonderful it can be to give to one another - the gift of time, the gift of believing in someone, giving someone the benefit of the doubt, or a listening ear.  

By opening our hearts and keeping them open year-round, St. Nicholas and his Spirit of love, oversight, and caring is always available.   

Happy Holidays

Given the busy-ness of this season and how crowded our days can become while we prepare for celebrations, listed below are a few heartful things for us to incorporate all year long, and especially during the holiday season. 

• Fill your mind with good thoughts
• Expand your capacity to be compassionate and kind
• Breathe deeply and regularly
• Create time for yourself
• Keep your heart open
• Be ready at a moment's notice to give and receive an exchange of kindness 

New Beginnings II

It's interesting how new beginnings occur several times throughout our lives.  In reality they're happing almost daily - each day is a new beginning, each meal, workout, conversation, job, relationship, etc. New beginnings are happening all the time. The below is another reflection on New Beginnings. 

New Beginnings are happening all around us and within us - all the time. Our cells are constantly dying and regenerating, new days are upon us every 24 hours, new food comes in our home and bodies, new opportunities, relationships, experiences, travel routes occur on a minute-to-minute, day-by-day frequency. 

While we may be caught in a routine of things, there is still an amount of newness that pervades our existence - a new way of being, responding; or even thinking. Perhaps when you see the term "new beginnings" you find yourself longing for something new and different. Or maybe you feel a knot in your stomach when considering the next new beginning.  

New beginnings require an amount of trust and surrender to what was and what will be. New beginnings enable us to not know all the answers, which can be frustrating and refreshing. New beginnings may also show us where our stability lies - whether outside of the things that are changing or the change itself could be our rock.
 
Regardless how we interact with new beginnings in our daily life or in new chapters of our lives, one thing is certain - change in constant. We must be sure to savor the change and the growth that comes with it. Know that without change our depth of potential cannot be reached nor can our magnificence as unique divine beings shine forth.

How will you embrace change today?