“At the risk of sounding weird or perhaps offending you, there is a spot to go to read of wonderful people who have contributed much in their lives, whose presence has been greatly valued by family and friends, and who will be cherished and remembered. Is it a heroic movie? A bestselling novel? An Instagram dedication? It is none of these. It is the Obituaries section of your community paper. Where else can you find such wonderful accolades as...

““Do you have the patience to wait until your mud settles and the water is clear?”, a quote by ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, has come across my pages, and seems apt to reference today. Why? The words “until your mud settles” command immediate attention not because you are asked to take note of muddy situations, events, circumstances – some of them unfortunate and chaotic – happening elsewhere but to note your own state of muddiness –...

“A wealth of analysis bombards us now. Either the past year or the one facing you now is under a microscope: the What was and the What is to come of facts, interpretations, speculations, regrets, fears, what ifs, conclusions and forecasts. It’s enough to make your head spin backwards, forwards and everything in between. Perhaps it may be best to sit in present time – in the eye of the storm that was and what some say will be. Just sit serenely....

“Gatherings though restricted, will still happen – in fact, will be very welcomed during this holiday season. Hope your days are unfolding in comfort and joy for you. The tension created by circumstances may rear its head in spite of the fact that you want to be near loved ones. Be watchful of your emotions that can be easily charged now.  So much energy is being diffused: try to strive for openness and being centered especially when you feel...

“There is a certain unbelievability that this special time of year is upon us. It seems the days in and of themselves slowed down to a crawl these past few months yet here it is well into December when we as a world stop to reflect – so keenly on what we have experienced and where we may be going. Let the uncertainty of it all not dismay you but allow the certainty of a child’s anticipation fill you with wonder and joy as it always has and...