This black and white sketch was drawn for us by Dev, a new friend in India. I love it. For Christians, it represents one of the most important events in history—the birth of the Christ child. But whether you are Christian or not the painting embodies the tender love of family—the sweet innocence and radiance of a newborn child; the pride and gentle affection of a mother; the strength and encircling protection of a father. Love is the magnet which magically draws them together.
Of course, such moments of tenderness, though precious, are somewhat rare, interrupted by the hurriedness of our lives, our confused priorities, even our ego-based insecurities and resentments. We look forward to the holidays and then overlook or even insulate our hearts from what is most important.
So how about if this holiday season we slow down, quiet our minds, soften our hearts, let go of a little pride (our tendency to judge and take offense, our desire to be right, our need to suffer or hold onto grudges) so we can be present with our loved ones in a way that allows the most natural and deepest yearning of our hearts to pull us into connection, unity, at-one-ment.
Perhaps we do this as we make our primary aim that of caring for another’s happiness or well-being. We choose to be wholly present with the person directly before us. We pause the monologue going on in our own heads. We look into their eyes. We hear what they are saying, not just the words but the feelings and meaning behind those words. We give up our need for them to be different. And we communicate, not so much by what we say but by the gift of our conscious presence, our respect, honor, and love.
Many call this season holy because of what happened millennia ago. Perhaps it is also holy because of what can happen in our hearts today.
I thank Dev for his beautiful gift, for his reminder of what is most important this Christmas season.
My purpose is to teach you strategies to replace negative patterns with a positive state of mind from which you can achieve your greatest desires and live a joyful and abundant life.
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"I want so much to express my deepest love and gratitude for teaching me in such a beautiful way those principles of truth that literally changed my life overnight. I have never been happier. The things I learned from you have set me free because I have learned to love myself and to be completely open and honest. It's amazing that I have lived my whole life for others approval but I’m so excited to have the rest of my life to do it my way."
Sally Hollingshead
Merry Christmas all the way to India. I took these words to heart as I do all things you write (so be careful about what you write 😉
Loves to you both as you further His work.
That’s a beautiful picture! And wonderful thoughts for us all year round.