And taking the time to receive it.

Admittedly, I used to be a bit of an early-holiday-decoration naysayer.  It was never a “proper thing”.  It was a “let’s not skip Thanksgiving and being grateful” thing.  

Then Covid hit.  And I watched the people of New York collectively cheer each night on their rooftops.  And I watched the people of my town, one by one, begin lighting up their trees in early November.  And I finally saw those decorations for what they really are:  Connection.     

When you really think about it, why do we gather gratitude at Thanksgiving?  To feel connected.  Early decorating isn’t skipping Thanksgiving and gratitude, its two sides of the same coin.  Connection.  

I read a study this week which concluded that exercising in unison significantly raises the level of feeling connected.  Yoga takes this a step farther when we also breathe in unison.  Perhaps this holiday season, those struggling with a loss of physical connection can find a bit of new connection in collective yoga, or collective meditation/prayer, or collective tree lighting.  A bit of bright amidst the dark.   

Next time I pass by a lit-up home, I’m going to take the time to receive the connection they are sending out.

Until next time,

Laura