“The holiest of holidays are those kept by ourselves in silence and apart; The secret anniversaries of the heart” ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Holidays come all year round, not just once, but constantly, if we but pay attention…
“The holiest of holidays are those kept by ourselves in silence and apart; The secret anniversaries of the heart”
It’s that time of the year once again, or so the songs, specials, commercials, and other people keep on saying. And no doubt about it, it is a rather remarkable season, one of increasing darkness and cold and yet such warmth and delight.
Christmas is the key focus, though not the only holiday being celebrated. It’s a highly commercial, retail holiday to be sure, and yet there is so much tied to the spiritual too, though it may be a bit harder to see.
For myself I adore all of the hustle and bustle, the bright lights and vibrant decorations, and crazy music and laughter that defines Christmas and the Yuletide season for me. There is so much to do and see and simply have such fun with, oh and the baking, so much delicious baking! It’s just a fabulously grand time filled with tinsel and glitter and bells!
That said, there is also a softer, quieter, deeply felt side to all of the celebrating as well. This is the sort of holiday that Longfellow is referring to, a quiet anniversary of the heart that I celebrate for this time of year. It’s a sweet, loving celebration that honors the inward turning of the season and the darkest time of the year. I find myself yearning for it’s gentle embrace and for the gentleness it encourages me to show to myself and those around me.
I actually celebrate secret anniversaries of my heart all the year round, not just now at the Yuletide season. Whether it’s an honoring of the moon cycle or a seasonal shift or just a lovely day, I find time to celebrate in my own soft, quiet, personal way. It’s this sort of practice that keeps life sacred and keeps me connected to it’s ever changing flow.
The loud, brazenly cheerful celebrations are beyond incredible and I wouldn’t trade them for anything, but to have also have time and space for the quiet adds the exact kind of dimension that my life needs. How about you? Do you have or desire your own secret anniversaries of the heart?
Namaste ~ Ella
~ Affirmation Mondays are positive words of wisdom, insight and joy to add a bit of cheer to the start of your week and any day you need a bit of a pick-me-up! For even more inspiration please check out my Affirmation Mondays Pinterest Board and my Quote-spirational Board!
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Lawhimsy 