Days 20-22

Day 20 was a DVD of Ice Skating and Windham Hill. Day 20 Quote:

So the shortest day came, and the year died,
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive,
And when the new year's sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, reveling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing behind us - Listen!!
All the long echoes sing the same delight,
This shortest day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
They carol, fest, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.
Welcome Yule!!

- Susan Cooper, The Shortest Day

Day 21 was simply several pieces of paper in various sizes, none more than about 3 inches either way, on which to write any problems, difficulties, frustrations of the past year that should be forgotten, left behind, let go of. After writing them down, the papers are burned and, hopefully, are released from your psyche and your life. We'll see if it works... A nice concept, nevertheless.

Day 21 Quote:

Do everything with a mind that lets go.
Do not expect any praise or reward.
If you let go a little, you will have a little peace.
If you let go a lot, you will have a lot of peace.
If you let go completely, you will know complete peace and freedom.
Your struggles with the world
will have come to an end.

insight meditation - achaan chah

Day 22 was the birthday. We were supposed to go out to eat with Chris and Amelia, but by the time he got home (he had been out of town the last few days--again), he was too tired and asked for a rain check. His birthday and Christmas gift (and mine, too) was supposed to be the new H D television he has been wanting. He has now decided to wait for the after Christmas sales.