Holiday cheer

As things wind down for the year, and we at Heart of Business are taking some time unplugged between now and January 4, I’m hoping you are, too. Or, if this time of year isn’t your holiday season, I hope you do take some time soon.

A recent discussion in an online group brought up the nature of transformation, and how some folks say they want to transform, to change, to take on new things, but they don’t. Why not?

One of the biggest reasons I’ve observed is that they are simply depleted. Done in. Worn out. On any number of levels.

Even when people want to change, they can’t if they don’t have the energy to. I’ve worked with clients who had patterns of working in their business that took tremendous amounts of energy. When we explored alternatives that were MUCH easier and MUCH more profitable, they, all of them over the years, were excited about the possibilities.

But, in many cases, it took time before they could shift. When you’re depleted, you don’t have the energy to change, to take on something new. Change requires energy. It’s so much easier to be on autopilot and do what you’ve always done because it’s familiar, comfortable, known. Easier, in a way, even if it’s harder in another way.

So, I’m hoping you are taking some time to rest, to recharge, to do the different things your heart, and soul and body need to feel alive. That way, any change you are contemplating is joyful, and the path is easier.

Today is, for many people, Christmas Eve. Hanukkah began last week. Kwanzaa approaches, and the Solstice is already past.

If you celebrate, however you celebrate, I pray that it is nourishing for you, and that you allow yourself to be nourished by the love around you and the Beloved, as the Sufis refer to Divine Source.

Here’s a short prayer of self-care from the Sufi tradition, and it’s called The Jewel Du’a for Self Care. I offer it as a gift:

“Oh Divine, place light in my heart,
and on my tongue light,
and in my ears light
and in my sight light,
and above me light,
and below me light,
and to my right light,
and to my left, light,
and before me light
and behind me light.
Place in my soul light.
Magnify for me light,
amplify for me light.
Make for me a light and make me a light.
Oh Divine, grant me light,
and place light in my nerves,
and in my body light
and in my blood light
and in my hair light
and in my skin light.”

We can all use more light, whether you are in the summer of the southern hemisphere or the winter in the north. May we all be a light.

And here are some personal greetings and wishes from our team!

With love and appreciation on behalf of the entire Heart of Business team,

Mark