To combat stress of the holiday season turn a tradition upside down or blend traditional activities into a new and different experience.
Great Release Program 23 December 2013
Monday Day 23
by Silver RavenWolf copyright 2013
Sun in Capricorn (Earth) Third Quarter Moon – Release Moon in Virgo —Organization, Flexibility, Healing, Analysis and Focus Monday — Ruled by the Moon Today: Angels of Tradition
Tradition: The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation.
I know a family that, for twenty years, met together in a specific place on a certain day around the holiday season — the patriarch of the family demanded it — and so it became tradition. As the family grew this tradition pulled in members outside of the blood family (wives, husbands, partners) and their children until the event harnessed the time of over a hundred people. At first, it truly was a wonderful idea for everyone to get together; but, over the years the expectation that all family members would attend and be nice to each other became a burden, particularly since spouses and partners found themselves torn between their own families’ plans and the traditional festivities. The choice was compounded as the “family” was a family business, and therefore employed many of the expected attendees, making the entire matter rather sticky. The only acceptable reason for not attending the function? That you were lying prostrate at death’s door.
Then, one year, the patriarch moved to a point in his life where he was incapacitated, both mentally and physically. For the first time in over twenty years, the annual requirement of attending the function melted away. Bluntly, there was no function.
Many sighed in relief. A few danced in the streets.
The point: Tradition is a wonderful thing; until it lacks joy. Once love and harmony have exited — the tradition no longer serves its purpose.
Today’s Spiritual Challenge is to take a good look at the traditions of the season that you have accepted into your life. If you didn’t participate in some of them this year — would you breathe a sigh of relief? Would you dance in the streets welcoming a bit of freedom? Are there traditions that you enjoy; but, would like to change a little so that the experience is less hectic and more delightful? Would you like to start a new tradition? Perhaps you like elements of several different traditions, and have thought of blending them into something inspiring for your whole family.
Your Spiritual Challenge for today is to take one tradition — and turn it upside down!
Your Physical Challenge for Today: Go through all food storage areas in your home. Throw out all items past their expiration date. Set aside all food items that you haven’t used in three months — and put them in a donation box. These would be things where the expiration date is good; but, you either bought them to use in something you never made, someone gave them to you, or you just don’t have a taste for that food any more. Rearrange what you have left so that the items are easier to get to when preparing food (such as spices, canned goods, staples).
Summary: Today we talked about tradition and how such a repetitive activity should enhance — not detract — from your life. Your spiritual goal is to do something different with “tradition” this year — turn one upside down, start a new one, or blend several old ones into something that is more suitable to your family needs.
(1) Do your Morning Braucherei Ritual (remember to change the water). (2) Don’t forget to breathe! (3) Consider the Spiritual Challenge for today. (4) Throw out one thing today (and not what is part of the challenge — something else). No give away’s today. No upcycle. Throw! (5) Go through all food storage areas. (6) Do one Mad Minute Exercise.
Tomorrow: Your wallet, handbag, briefcase, tote bag, laptop case.
Peace with the Gods Peace with Nature Peace Within Only the Good Remains
Silver