In the Deep MidWinter

‘It is in giving that we receive’ - St. Francis of Assisi

We are gifted in these deep midwinter days with amazing sunsets, beautiful blue skies, and the amazing beauty of the trees without leaves and the holly tree laden down with berries. Gifted too with the choice of whether to get caught up in the frantic stress of ‘getting it all done’ or of spending more time quietly at home, gazing at those trees and skies, enjoying the natural introspection of these long nights.

Cities and towns are all aglow with lights and all busy with Christmas shoppers and getting caught up in that energy can distract us from considering what true giving is all about. Rushing round buying stuff from a sense of obligation, a sense that ‘I have to get something for the teacher/cousin/colleague’ can lure us into just grabbing something for the sake of having something wrapped to hand to that person but maybe without considering what it really means to gift that person.

And in planetary terms, all that plastic, wrapping paper, and ‘have to’ presents contribute even more to the huge piles of waste gathering all over the world.

Giving is not about ‘buying stuff’ that may have thousands of airmiles on while the worker in some far-off land may be being paid buttons, the company for whom her boss works may be making huge profit for the shareholders; or ordering stuff online from a company whose workers may be badly paid and may not even get proper meal and rest breaks.

Giving doesn’t even have to involve ‘something’, it may simply require stopping to chat and listen to someone’s story or seeing that friend you haven’t seen all year and listening to how her year has been – that hour you spend with her could be her best gift of her Christmas.

Perhaps buying crafts or homemade/grown produce at the local farmers market may help that family to have a more food on their feast day table. Or taking the time to knit a scarf or crochet mittens may touch the heart of a granny.

It’s a bit of an illusion for us to think that getting big expensive gifts makes us happy – anyone who has seen a child carefully (and perhaps messily) wrap something for a beloved aunt or godmother and then see that child joyfully watch the beloved adult open that gift absolutely knows that the joy is in the giving. The care and thoughtfulness with which a child chooses a gift for another models for us how it is indeed better to give than to receive.

There is an old saying ‘what you most need, that give’ and what do we most need these days – to be seen, to be heard, to be recognised, to be appreciated, to be talked to, to be hugged; to share ideas with a friend, to share a meal with family, to receive a card in the post from a loved one oversees.

We don’t need to spend a fortune on ‘stuff’, we can choose to stay in the moment, not get caught up in the stress, and give lovingly and kindly of ourselves, our time, our attention, our love, this midwinter season.

May Peace of Mind, a Loving Heart and Joyful Presence be yours for Christmas, Winter, Solstice and for the year ahead.

Photo - New York public library

We each have a relationship with our planet

Our connection to the Earth transcends surface appearances; it's a profound integration of our existence with the very essence of our planet. As Thich Nhat Hanh the Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk, peace activist, prolific author, poet and teacher, eloquently expressed, that this realisation engenders a deep love for our world, erasing the illusion of separation.

The Earth encompasses us at all times, not merely as the ground beneath our feet but as the source of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the breathtaking beauty that surrounds us.

We aren't just inhabitants; we are the Earth itself, carrying its legacy within us. This awareness transforms our relationship with our planet, urging us to tread gently and care for it with newfound reverence.

Recognizing this unity reveals the Earth as a living entity, pulsating in harmony with us. We become a vibrant manifestation of this beautiful planet, and our survival is irrevocably linked to its well-being. It’s more important than ever that we act with respect to our planet with our daily actions.

Love blossoms when we bridge the perceived gap between ourselves and the Earth, compelling us to care for our home as we would for a beloved.

Embracing this interconnectedness, we embrace our role as stewards of the Earth, critical for its survival and, ultimately, our own.

This shift in our Earthly relationship isn't merely a choice; it's a necessity, a call to honour the interconnectedness.

What will you do to make a difference?

Some of the ideas which our members have found to be supportive and helpful at this time are listed below;

Positive and affirmative messages are always beneficial.
It is important to support those in our wider communities with kindness and good advice as they move through transitions in their lives - transitions to new states of being, to letting go, to moving forward in their lives.
Positive blogs are shared on our website.
In the headlines at the moment is the topic of ever increasing costs and global warming. There is always an encouragement for participation in earth friendly activities such as recycling – reusing shopping bags, composting waste, sorting household refuse, gardening - planting seeds, using non-chemical products, tending gardens with Mother Nature’s diary in mind. Leaving the car at home whenever possible, using a bicycle or simply walking. Making small changes make such a big difference.
Most of all, we do our very best in our own lives to 'walk the walk' of our own private spiritual practice, by taking care of ourselves, supporting each other and those around us and loving Our Spiritual Earth.

Gatherings and events

Please see our Gathering and Events page HERE, for more details on regular and upcoming special days in our calendar.