It is interesting to see the stillness that arrives with Christmas Day. All the bustle, activity, frenzy and "have to get it all dones" cease. And the majority of the world who celebrates the holiday finally breathes long enough to actually, well celebrate the spirit of the day.
For those of us who don't celebrate Christmas, we get a lot of curious questions about what we do instead. The traditional Jewish Christmas is usually a drive around the empty main drags and a movie followed by Chinese food. I've spent the bulk of the day doing laundry, working through a whole lot of house clutter, finishing off a project and now, just now, finally settling into stillness.
Christmas reminds me of that one breath of moment on Yom Kippur, just as the first star appears and the shofar is blown for the final call- it is when the gates of heaven are open and your transgressions are forgiven- and you step over the threshold of a new year, ready for a fresh beginning.
Solstice is much the same- but this year, I was not physically or energetically able to join within meditation or celebration. The message came through- BE STILL.
So, I embrace the challenge to now let go, relax and be still.
Blessings on this Winter Solstice and Christmas 2009
Rachel
Friday, December 25, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
8 Days of Chanukah... and a Blizzard!
Today was our family Chanukah party. In years past, this major family event was hosted in Greenwich Village by our great aunt and uncle. There were lots of games, food, family and of course, the gifts. I remember those parties very well- the dreidal games, my great aunt's bottomless candy dishes and great aunts and uncles who loved nothing more than indulging the grand-nieces and nephews. What touched us the most was that my sister was always remembered by some of the great aunts and uncles, even though she went into institutional care at age 6.
Now sadly, Nanny and Pappy have crossed over- where Nanny is no doubt winning bridge hands and Pappy is entertaining at the piano. And yet, the more things change, the more things stay the same. But, I always miss them most this time of year- because the family Chanukah party is part of my earliest memories- and they continued well into adulthood-the Robins/Himmell family are tough old birds. Every single one of them made it to at least 94.
My aunt and uncle have taken over the tradition now. There are young cousins- and it is comforting to see them enjoy as much as we did. It doesn't matter that they are celebrating Christmas and Chanukah. What does matter is that my cousins are allowing my aunt to instill those good family memories in the kids. My aunt went all out- the tablecloth, napkins, condiment spreaders were all Chanukah themed. She really lives for these family events- and I know how hard it is on her physically. So, I am grateful for the effort- even though my inner Pagan is screaming, "STOP THE HOLIDAY MADNESS!"
Today, we gathered around the table to kosher deli, homemade applesauce and potato latkes. We lit the menorah, sang the candle blessings and traditional songs. My cousins and I sat on the floor with the kids and played dreidel for gold chocolate coins. We were surrounded by photos of all the great aunts and uncles, so it was kind of like old times again. I never could figure out how 150 people squeezed into Nanny and Pappy's apartment, but somehow it worked.
And, finally, the kids got their rewards. Oh boy, did they get their rewards. Much as I bitched about the extra holiday shopping, when the kids opened their ITune and Build A Bear Cards, it was all worth it. And, I got a surprise gift- the girls' parents are setting up a date for the kids to go to the big Build A Bear store on 5th Avenue- and invited me to come along for a very special shopping trip.
I am reminded that family is very important- and while I still prefer the peace and tranquility of my friends' company, slowly we grow closer as adults than we ever were as kids.
Some very nice moments this afternoon- and Dad, wisely kept his distance. And now, I'm unplugging and enjoying our blizzard.
Blessings,
Rachel
Now sadly, Nanny and Pappy have crossed over- where Nanny is no doubt winning bridge hands and Pappy is entertaining at the piano. And yet, the more things change, the more things stay the same. But, I always miss them most this time of year- because the family Chanukah party is part of my earliest memories- and they continued well into adulthood-the Robins/Himmell family are tough old birds. Every single one of them made it to at least 94.
My aunt and uncle have taken over the tradition now. There are young cousins- and it is comforting to see them enjoy as much as we did. It doesn't matter that they are celebrating Christmas and Chanukah. What does matter is that my cousins are allowing my aunt to instill those good family memories in the kids. My aunt went all out- the tablecloth, napkins, condiment spreaders were all Chanukah themed. She really lives for these family events- and I know how hard it is on her physically. So, I am grateful for the effort- even though my inner Pagan is screaming, "STOP THE HOLIDAY MADNESS!"
Today, we gathered around the table to kosher deli, homemade applesauce and potato latkes. We lit the menorah, sang the candle blessings and traditional songs. My cousins and I sat on the floor with the kids and played dreidel for gold chocolate coins. We were surrounded by photos of all the great aunts and uncles, so it was kind of like old times again. I never could figure out how 150 people squeezed into Nanny and Pappy's apartment, but somehow it worked.
And, finally, the kids got their rewards. Oh boy, did they get their rewards. Much as I bitched about the extra holiday shopping, when the kids opened their ITune and Build A Bear Cards, it was all worth it. And, I got a surprise gift- the girls' parents are setting up a date for the kids to go to the big Build A Bear store on 5th Avenue- and invited me to come along for a very special shopping trip.
I am reminded that family is very important- and while I still prefer the peace and tranquility of my friends' company, slowly we grow closer as adults than we ever were as kids.
Some very nice moments this afternoon- and Dad, wisely kept his distance. And now, I'm unplugging and enjoying our blizzard.
Blessings,
Rachel
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Spin Little Spider, Spin
At all too early o'clock this morning, I was staring at my bedroom ceiling watching a spider busily weaving a web in one of the corners.
My first thought was what the hell am I doing up so early. The second: Girl, get this house cleaned up now! And, the third was a bit more profound- wow, the patterns in that web are stunning- beautiful in their own way and design.
I have to love the way messages arrive. That was such a kicker into my overtired, overstressed, sleep deprived brain. It was a reminder from the Angel Jophiel to slow down and shift perspective. She is the guardian of creativity, interior designers and inspires beauty in home environments. Most people see a spider and come running with the tissue to smoosh and flush. In my world, spiders are to respect, not fear. Grandmother Spider is the builder, architect and ultimate interior designer. Those webs are a engineering miracle if you really look at one, before whacking it and the poor architect with a broom.
Like Grandma Spider in my bedroom ceiling corner, I"ve been busy weaving lately. Holiday preparations, helping plan a 50th birthday party, family drama, work- but unlike my little 8 legged friend, my results aren't always as tangible, or as lovely. I didn't quite have the heart to kill the spider, but I did gently shoo it outside.
It did inspire me to pull out the Medicine Cards again- and in my reading tonight, the Spider card made an appearance. It is the medicine of careful planning, building and patience. Think about it- the spider does not immediately consume its prey. There is something to be said about slowing down to savor the good things in life. It takes time and patience to weave a solid, sound web.
Blessings
Rachel
My first thought was what the hell am I doing up so early. The second: Girl, get this house cleaned up now! And, the third was a bit more profound- wow, the patterns in that web are stunning- beautiful in their own way and design.
I have to love the way messages arrive. That was such a kicker into my overtired, overstressed, sleep deprived brain. It was a reminder from the Angel Jophiel to slow down and shift perspective. She is the guardian of creativity, interior designers and inspires beauty in home environments. Most people see a spider and come running with the tissue to smoosh and flush. In my world, spiders are to respect, not fear. Grandmother Spider is the builder, architect and ultimate interior designer. Those webs are a engineering miracle if you really look at one, before whacking it and the poor architect with a broom.
Like Grandma Spider in my bedroom ceiling corner, I"ve been busy weaving lately. Holiday preparations, helping plan a 50th birthday party, family drama, work- but unlike my little 8 legged friend, my results aren't always as tangible, or as lovely. I didn't quite have the heart to kill the spider, but I did gently shoo it outside.
It did inspire me to pull out the Medicine Cards again- and in my reading tonight, the Spider card made an appearance. It is the medicine of careful planning, building and patience. Think about it- the spider does not immediately consume its prey. There is something to be said about slowing down to savor the good things in life. It takes time and patience to weave a solid, sound web.
Blessings
Rachel
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