Hi, friends!

I have been soaking in all the Christmas spirit. I love this time of year for the kindness people exude and carry love to those in need. Oh, why can’t we love every day? This is a great reminder to put in your daily love for yourself as well. 5, 10, 15, 20? What’s your numbered threshold? What will you allow as adequate time to nourish and refuel on love?

My discovery of my needs for the day typically begins with my self-reiki practice. I get my mind and body in tune and I proceed to meditate. Meditation is my love language. Sometimes, I think of the things that bring me joy and love and my brain tingles with the memories. Once, I know my day’s intentions it’s only 5:30 am. So many hours to go!

I recently went to visit relatives in Oklahoma. I met with my Auntie who told stories for 3 hours! I wish I recorded her but these stories were so amazing I wrote them down off memory. I love, love discovering my family roots. As we are coming to the winter solstice, in Lenapè ways we told stories. I’m planning on getting some stories ready and getting my family together to listen. I hope they share as well.

I think just last year, I was shopping, shopping, shopping. My love showed up as a gift or cash. That was exhausting showing up at stores, waiting in long lines, waiting for the mail, and money spent for all the wrong reasons. I was learning. I did what my parents did. I learn from sight and seeing others do what they do. I don’t want my Christmas nights consumed by shopping and leave me entering 2023 in debt. My love and attention to myself taught me my faults and if I want to be better, I better tend to the issues. I love my family and I give great gifts but I’m no longer going to stress about how much I need to spend to care.

I find joy in my nights when I can read my books. Right now I’m reading “Science of Yoga” by Ann Swanson & “Drink?” by Professor David Nutt. These books are captivating and I’m learning so much. I enjoy learning how good yoga is for my body and what happens in each pose. This information is life changing! Plus, “Drink?” exposes what alcohol does to your body and how it will change your life, if you let it. Scary stuff.

I hope you find joy in the season of greetings! Or even better, that you find your joy amongst the busiest of seasons. Breathe and find that a little bit of love goes a long way!

Namastè 🙏🏽

All pictures by Lenape Spiritual Yogi Awakened.