The Gentle Love of the Christmas Season.

As the crowds rush through the shops at the last minute before ‘the big day’, I wonder how many people are in a loving state of being.

I’m not talking about joy or excitement and especially not the hype that can sweep people up at this time of year, but rather, a peaceful, deep love of oneself and others – without exceptions.

With the buying frenzy taking place, how many people are actually mindful of the choices they are making and even if they are, do they care, or is it more convenient to just buy impulsively, without much thought.

Is it loving to support industries that use human slavery, forcing people to work horrendously long hours in sub standard conditions for a pittance?

Is it loving to support animal cruelty industries?

Is it loving to support industries whose products are damaging the earth and people’s health?

Now you don’t need to be Einstein to know the answer to all the above is a resounding No! So why do people continue, year after year, to get caught up in negative practices that might give them (and the recipients of the purchases) a temporary, short lived feeling of happiness?

Sadly, that’s how humans have been programmed over centuries. Do what gives you instant gratification and don’t worry too much about the later consequences. But, people, animals and our earth suffer dreadfully because of our choices and that’s neither kind, loving nor compassionate.

Each time a person chooses to ignore or avoid the truth (and in 2016, we all know the damage our way of life is causing), it eats at our very soul and our self care, self love and love of others erodes more and more over time.

True self love is recognising our place in the world and our responsibility towards the whole. Self love isn’t about ‘aren’t I wonderful – look at me’. That’s ego and we can’t have love and respect for ourselves and others while our ego is out of control. When we practice self love, making kind and considerate choices that effect us (and others) positively, our self esteem and self confidence grow strong and over time, we become more loving and nurturing toward ourselves, other people, the planet and all who dwell upon it.

Self love is about deeply respecting yourself and you can’t honestly do that if you’re not doing your best to let go of habits that are destructive towards yourself, other people, animals and our home – planet earth. We all make mistakes and that’s perfectly ok, but we can always learn better ways and make more loving choices as we begin every new day.

What better time than the Christmas season and an approaching new year to commit to a more authentic gentle, kind and caring love for yourself and all of nature.

I wish you peace and love as Every Day Gets Better. ❤️