December Intentions: Enter the spirit of giving

At the end of a year that looks like it could have been lifted straight from a George Orwell novel, many of us are faced with what will look like Christmasverydifferent from the usual festive fayre. Whether you're spending this season alone, with family, friends or a support network, this is a time to focus on what really matters and how we - perhaps for the first time - get into thetrueSpirit of Christmas. While years past may have revolved around shopping at department stores, racking up credit card bills, and a feeling of abundance, this year invites us to take a more enlightened, mindful, and purposeful approach to receiving. Since small businesses are struggling, perhaps choose cards from local designers or handmade gifts from small and honest businesses. Maybe you'll visit your local farm for your celebratory dinner or choose your tree from family-run local growers.

This month’s mantra: “I give love, share joy and radiate happiness. “

However, beyond the material, there are very real, life-affirming and lasting possibilities that we honestly cangiveto others, and when we give in this way, we also receive a wealth of health benefits. Giving strengthens our sense of community and security, which actually has positive effects on the immune system and longevity. When we give to others, we also receive a rush of endorphins and oxytocin, all of which help cultivate the “relaxation response” within us. Reduce stress and inflammation and increase happiness. Read 5 ways to practice the spirit of giving this month during the festive season.

Connect

If you can't spend this season with your loved ones, perhaps you choose to connect meaningfully in other ways. Instead of sending a text, schedule some time for a Zoom video call or set a date for a phone conversation that you don't have to rush through. Right now, more than ever, we all need human connection, in whatever form we can get it.

Volunteers

Our time is something we value above most other things, and it is a true gift to those who receive it. With so many people having suffered loss this year, try giving back by volunteering at a local hospice or soup kitchen or charity shop, or picking up the weekly supermarket transport for those still sheltering in place.

Listen

It feels good to know we are being heard, and very often lending an ear is worth more than anything else in Santa's sleigh. If you know someone is going through a difficult time, let them know that you are there for them and that you will not listen judgmentally when they need to speak. You don't have to give them the answers or solve all of their problems, just be a loving listener and help someone get their worries off their chest.

Donate

Whether it's your material possessions, money or food, we can all probably save something this year. Your local stores are likely collecting for those in need, and there are charities that work especially hard this time of year, too. Choose something you connect to and give what you can.

Positive vibrations

We can enter into the spirit of daily giving without moving an inch, but by using the power of our thoughts. The world around us is made of vibrations, and thoughts are also a kind of vibration. When we think fearful or negative thoughts we decrease the frequency and vibration of the world around us, but when we think positive and loving thoughts we literally increase the vibration around us. If you are a Reiki practitioner or have ever practiced distance healing, you know all about using your mind and energy to send love. If you are new to the practice, choose someone to send loving thoughts and well-being to. cultivate this feeling of love within yourself, perhaps in the form of a golden ball of light. Then imagine sending that light and love to your chosen person. You could even repeat the phrase 'I wish you health, happiness and well-being. 'in your mind when you send them the positive energy. Use the to improve this practiceAbhaya Mudraor “gesture of fearlessness,” symbolizing giving blessings, safety and security to the recipient. In this mudra you will often see statues of Buddha Parvati with her hands dispelling fear and granting divine protection and bliss.