As I sit here, in the tropical paradise on the Big Island of Hawaii, sipping on some Organic Coffee and watching the sunrise soft glow of fairy lights twinkle around my home, I can't help but marvel at the magic that the holiday season brings. Dec 5th was my sweet husband's milestone 65th birthday, and to brighten the celebration, Kevin's sister, brother, and sister-in-law are here in paradise, surrounding us with so much love and light. Then, with the first night of Chanukah just around the corner, it's like the universe is putting on a grand, multicultural celebration of life, love, and togetherness. From the solstice to Christmas, Kwanzaa, and the New Year, these weeks are a beautiful tapestry of traditions that weave us all together in the spirit of joy.

But, my friends, let's acknowledge that this time of year isn't always a walk in the park for everyone. It's crucial to recognize the shadows that may cast a cloud over the festivities, whether it's the absence of a loved one or facing a challenging diagnosis. In the midst of our celebrations, it's important to extend our hearts and empathy to those who may be navigating through darker days.

The holiday season also has the power to either heighten religious conflicts or bring us to a more peaceful place. Regardless of our beliefs, this is a time to come together, fostering love, understanding, and acceptance. Remember the words of the wise John Lennon: "Love is the answer." It's a universal truth that transcends religious boundaries and speaks to the core of our humanity.

In the spirit of spreading love and positivity, I'm thrilled to introduce a very special guest on this week's "Dose of Positivity"–the incredible Cristina Whitehawk. With decades of experience in guiding people toward the light and love in life, Cristina will dive deep into topics that resonate with the season's essence. She has been on this planet for over 8 decades and will share how she has grown, thrived, and overcome adversity offering us SOULutions.

Embracing the Holiday Season:

A Celebration of Love, Light, and Positivity

As we step into the enchanting embrace of the holiday season, it's essential to not only revel in the festivities but also to spread the warmth to those around us. In a world that can sometimes feel divided and painful, let's make a conscious effort to uplift ourselves and others through healthy spiritual giving.

Here's a heartwarming list of actions that can infuse joy,

Give Gifts that Keep on Giving:

Find companies and individuals whose work contributes to a better world and uplifts humanity. Avoid the simulation of additive temptation, hyped sales jargon, and propaganda that put you in a stressful state.

Embrace Spirituality and faith:

They are not just abstract concepts that stretch far beyond religion; they are powerful tools that can shape the outcome of any diagnosis and situation. When faced with adversity, having a spiritual anchor and unwavering faith can provide a sense of purpose, comfort, and resilience. It's about connecting with something beyond ourselves and finding solace in each moment, even in the midst of chaos.

Practice Gratitude Daily:

In the face of challenges, remember that our attitude defines the outcome, and having faith is the key to happiness. Love and gratitude are my guiding lights when navigating difficult times. Shifting your attitude from focusing on the negative to expressing gratitude for the positive aspects of life is transformative. Love, both for yourself and those around you, becomes a healing force that permeates every aspect of your journey. Start or end your day by reflecting on the things you're grateful for. A gratitude journal can be a wonderful companion on this journey.

Acts of Kindness Calendar:

Create a calendar of daily acts of kindness. It could be as simple as leaving an uplifting note for a colleague or helping a neighbor with holiday decorations. As we approach the season's festivities, cultivate kindness and love. What we focus on grows. ❤️

Connect with Nature:

Take a mindful walk in nature, appreciating the surrounding beauty. It's a spiritual practice that can ground you and inspire a sense of interconnectedness.

Volunteer for a Cause:

Dedicate some time to volunteer for a charity or community organization. The act of giving back not only helps others but also nourishes your soul.

Mindful Meditation Sessions:

Set aside time for mindful meditation to calm the mind and connect with your inner self. Apps like Headspace and Calm can guide you through this practice.

Create a Blessing Jar:

Throughout the season, jot down moments or things you're thankful for and place them in a jar. Open it on New Year's Eve to reflect on the abundance of blessings in your life.

Send Heartfelt Letters:

Write letters of appreciation and love to friends and family. Expressing your feelings in writing can deepen your connections and bring joy to others.

Share Inspirational Content:

Use your social media platforms to share uplifting and positive content. A simple share can brighten someone's day and create a ripple effect of positivity.

Virtual Gathering for Healing:

Organize a virtual gathering where friends and family can share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences from the past year. It's a cathartic way to support each other.

Culminate with a Gratitude Ritual:

On New Year's Eve, gather with loved ones (virtually or in person) without being seduced by the social norm of being intoxicated. Express gratitude and set realistic positive intentions for the coming year. This ritual can be a powerful way to welcome a fresh start if you approach it with tangible, solid intentions for yourself. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when I say this; “set a tangible, solid intention for yourself?

🙏🏽 May these actions become sparks of light in your holiday season and beyond. illustrate not only your path but also the paths of those you touch with your kindness and love. Embrace the spirit of giving, and make this holiday season and beyond a celebration of unity, understanding, and boundless positivity.

Remember, your life is in your hands. The power of faith and acceptance to heal, change unfulfilling habits, and live like the future matters are in your mind. Embrace the journey, trust the process, and discover the superpower within you. Empower yourself, dear reader. Explore, question, and choose a path that resonates with your soul.

Check out the books and resources below that shed light on this transformative journey.

Remember, you have the power to transform adversity into strength.

Wishing you all a season filled with warmth, love, and boundless positivity!

***Spread joy, embrace our differences, and celebrate the rich tapestry of life that the holiday season offers.***

You’re Awesome

Big Love and Aloha

Mama D

Certainly! The holiday season can be a time of joy, but it can also bring stress and challenges. Here are some holistic, powerful, heart-centered, and mindful books that align with spiritual and new-age perspectives to help navigate the holidays and beyond.

🎁 Consider them as a thoughtful gift for the right person. ❤️

“Living Like the Future Matters” By Donna Maltz: That would be me 🌺 Check out this link and get the download and know all profits from my art and positivity books go to humanitarian and environmental causes.

"The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle: This book explores the concept of living in the present moment, offering profound insights into finding peace and acceptance in challenging situations.
"Mind Over Medicine" by Dr. Lissa Rankin: Dr. Rankin explores the mind-body connection and how our thoughts and beliefs can influence our health.
The Healing Power of Mindfulness Meditation: Numerous studies have highlighted the positive impact of mindfulness practices on mental and physical well-being.
"The Biology of Belief" by Dr. Bruce H. Lipton: Dr. Lipton delves into the science behind the mind-body connection, emphasizing how our beliefs and thoughts can influence our health at a cellular level.
The Healing Power of Faith-Based Practices: Numerous studies have highlighted the positive impact of faith-based practices on health outcomes. From prayer to meditation, these practices contribute to a sense of well-being.

"The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz: This book offers a code of conduct based on ancient Toltec wisdom, providing a practical guide to personal freedom and a fulfilling life.
"The Untethered Soul" by Michael A. Singer: This book explores the concept of inner freedom and breaking free from the limitations of the self, offering profound insights for spiritual growth.
"The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brené Brown: Brené Brown explores the power of vulnerability and the importance of embracing imperfections to live a wholehearted life.
"The Seat of the Soul" by Gary Zukav: Gary Zukav explores spiritual partnerships and the alignment of the personality with the soul, providing a holistic perspective on life and relationships.
"Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius: While not a new age book, these ancient philosophical writings by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius offer timeless wisdom on finding tranquility and inner peace.
"Radical Acceptance" by Tara Brach: Tara Brach combines mindfulness and self-compassion to guide readers toward accepting themselves and their lives more fully.
"The Celestine Prophecy" by James Redfield: A spiritual adventure novel that explores the idea of synchronicity and the pursuit of a higher consciousness.
"The Art of Happiness" by the Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler: A conversation between the Dalai Lama and a Western psychiatrist, offering insights into finding happiness and fulfillment through a spiritual lens.

Articles:

Psychology Today - The Power of Positivity
The Guardian - Coping with Grief during the Holidays
Mayo Clinic - The Health Benefits of Love and Positivity

😀 Remember that personal preferences and spiritual beliefs vary so these recommendations may resonate differently with different individuals. It's always a good idea to explore and find what aligns best with your own journey. If you have additional resources that can help others, kindly share them in the comment section of this blog post.

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Don't miss this week's Dose of Positivity. Consider it a gift for yourself.