Dear Family and Friends,
With a voice, comes song. With an instrument, comes music. Yet it takes an orchestra to create a symphony.
-CSL Global Themes Team
Dear Friends & Family,
We are right in the thick of the holiday season, and many of us will be seated at the table amongst family and friends who may have differing viewpoints on various issues.
Dr. Rima gave us an excellent map of those things that we sometimes allow to block our joy. Remember, the experience of joy is a choice. I am in complete agreement with Dr. Rima’s definition of joy. Joy is found within, and happiness is conditional (an outward experience or appearance). Therefore, it is incumbent upon me to allow myself the freedom of joy and realize that no one can steal it.
That is really easy to say, and intellectually many of us know that, and yet, we allow people to come between our peace of mind and our joy. We have unexpressed expectations and/or boundaries and assume that others should know these as if they are one size fits all.
We could save ourselves a lot of heartaches if we remembered that although we are one, we each have our own belief systems. Consider that no one is going out of their way to harm you, and perhaps they are simply unaware and/or unskilled in practicing the idea of community. After all, family and friendships are a community.
We are individual beings here to express our unique gifts and sing our own songs, yet we are social beings here to live and play with others. When we find our own notes and then learn to sing our songs as well as allow others to join us in the community of a choir, the beauty, harmony, and peace, as we affirm here every Sunday, it multiplies abundantly.
So choose Joy, express and communicate your needs to those that are a part of your community, forgive, and live your best lives. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy Solstice.