I'm on the tram, driving through Zurich and think: "Strange, so many people and everyone is so hectic...". "Yes, of course", it flashes through my mind, "it's just before Christmas".... almost I would have forgotten.
Christmas in Zurich city centre - how much I used to be drawn here in December, just to enjoy the Christmas decorations and let myself be touched by this atmosphere. Strolling along Bahnhofstrasse, looking at the shop windows, the lights and the wonderful Christmas decorations that created a peaceful, loving and elated mood in me. An enchanting power that was at work.
"A quick trip to the Christmas market, have a mulled wine and see if I can still get a Christmas present for her and for him ... and yes, I have to give something here too and here too....."
Strange that I have almost forgotten that it is Christmas and that I should buy Christmas presents.
As I reflect on this, it occurs to me that I have invested in something very important over the last few years: how to create a peaceful, loving and upbeat mood within myself, or in short: to fulfil my need for love. And I do this every day. By making the following choices in every moment:
- Identifying my judgements and valuations about other people or myself, letting go and being willing to recognise the "please" or the "thank you" in everything I encounter.
- To stop adding up the abuse and hurt that has been inflicted on me and instead use the energy for vision and what I can do for the world.
- A fine, sensitive eye and gratitude for all that I am given: be it a smile, support or opportunities.
I call this: the ability to receive.
So I am increasingly nourished and permeated by a basic mood that makes me smile inside, that relaxes me and that enables me to see things with the necessary distance. A basic mood that allows me not to take everything personally but that lets me be love. Every day.
Celebrating Christmas every day - the festival of love.
Let us be courageous, let us be love.
Unconditionally.
Every day.
In this spirit, I wish you a wonderful Christmas.
Music video by the Berlin singer-songwriter duo "Berge". A touching text for us that reflects a lot of what is important to us and what we want to pass on.
The video came to us via a friend - thanks for that!
And to emphasise the need for fun and lightness: a song by the Berlin singer-songwriter Reinhard Mey about Christmas and the obligatory gift-giving. Have fun with it!