Stay steady and hold the Light

Published: Thu, 12/10/15

        Awakened Living with Jan Lundy            
December News with Audio Download, Gift Ideas & Inspiration
Stay Steady, Strong and Compassionate in this Season of Delight ... and Confusion
"It's the most wonderful time of the year," sings Frank Sinatra as I stand in line at Kohl's. There are at least 30 people ahead of me and most of us are patiently waiting. We are also noticeably quiet.

I wonder what people are thinking about? Are they going over their lists and checking them twice? Or are they feeling the heaviness of what often feels like a world gone mad?

The recent developments in terrorism, followed by Neanderthal-like outbursts of hatred and marginalizing, are enough to make one weary. Afraid. Worried. I know that I'm definitely more quiet and keeping to myself.

Ironically, it's still the most wonderful time of the year. Reminders of love and peace are everywhere. The Christ story is front and center. The Menorahs burn brightly. More than 25 of the world's traditions are celebrating "the Light" in some way during the month of December. We are more alike than different in this.

My teacher, Ram Dass, often reminds us, "Never throw anyone out of your heart." We may not like everyone or understand why they do what they do. But we can hold them in compassion—whether they are bearers of light or bringers of darkness.

To keep our hearts open we can pray: "May this person be free of suffering." We can offer this for victim and perpetrator, for you and for me, for all of us who are doing the best we can in the muddle of life.

On days that feel chaotic, may you never forget that YOU are a gift to the world. YOU have the power and potential to heal, to help, to give courage to others who are faltering, just by being YOU. In this little newsletter, I share some resources that can help you do that.

Let us be bearers of Light. Celebrators of hope. Champions of peace. Let us do all that we can to BE the love we say we believe in. I have faith in YOU and in all of us. May we continue to believe, breathe, and be well—together!
December Guided (Audio) Teaching (Downloadable MP3)
Give the gift of YOUR presence
What is the one gift that is always welcome? The gift of your presence! Don't be so caught up in your To-Do List that you neglect the importance of fully BEING with someone. Be present, offer presence! 

Loving-Kindness Mala Bracelet makes a memorable gift~
I have just 6 of these in inventory for Christmas delivery!

If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, consider this beautiful handmade bracelet for meditation. I co-designed it with expert mala maker Laura Brittain. Each of the 4 precious gems used in the bracelet represents one of the lines of the Loving-Kindness (Metta) prayer: "May I be safe. May I be strong, May I be happy. May I live with ease." Semi-precious (all natural) stones of fluorite, rhodonite, rose quartz, and quartz crystal. Simply stunning and heart opening. (Comes with instructions for how to use.)
Save 20% on my new book, Portable Peace.
There's still time to purchase your personal copy or a gift copy of Portable Peace: A Weekly Guidebook. It's multi-funtional. It's a planner, a journal, a workbook with 52 original practices that will keep you calm, clear and wise all year long!

20% off on all orders placed by Friday, Dec. 18!
Reg. $16.00. Now $12.80
"The cover photo is beautiful and it emanates peaceful energy!  I didn’t know the book could also be used as a weekly planner! It’s the perfect size for that.  ... From what I’ve reviewed so far, it’s filled with heartfelt practices.  I am excited about enjoying this book in 2016." B.K., California
Mark your calendar!

New period of intentional Spiritual Practice—Sadhana— starts January 1st.
Our Sadhana community will reconvene on Jan 1, 2016 and practice together (online) for 31 days. We will be focusing on the invitations of the "Soul Season" of Winter, while continuing to "Tend the Light," aligning ourselves with peace and compassion for healing the world. Each day's Sadhana prompt is sent directly to your Inbox. We chat and support one another in a private FB group. It's a lively, welcoming, inter-spiritual group. I hope you will join us! 

Stay tuned for the announcement to register.


Blessings of ease and joy to you, lovely friend. May you take good care of yourself in this busiest of seasons. May you stay steady, open-hearted and kind. The world is not an easy place to live in but your good heart is needed to keep the Light burning brightly for all of us!

Believe, breathe and be well,
Jan

Janice Lynne Lundy
Interfaith Spiritual Director, Educator, Retreat Leader and Author