The best message I can think of for Christmas: Dionne Warwick singing 'What the World Needs Now'.
I've experienced some dreadful behavior this week in Bethesda. Monday morning on my way to work, I encountered one of the most hostile drivers ever, a woman looking for street parking. (She got out of her car to confront me, but I smiled and drove away before she could get too close to me.) On Tuesday, it was an especially angry and impatient line of customers at the Post Office on Wisconsin Avenue. Wednesday, money was stolen from my purse by a stranger who walked into our office. And yesterday morning as I crossed Montgomery Avenue in front of my office building, a left turning Prius running a red light nearly plowed right into me. (See previous post, Driven to Tears.)
Come on, folks. There's a better way.
Try meditating. I've been doing this for years: in the car, sitting on Metro, waiting to cross a busy intersection, standing in line (at the grocery store, post office, you name it).
My favorite time to meditate is when I am sitting in my living room in the early morning quiet with my first cup of coffee. I've done that for many years now, going back to when my kids were very young. It allowed me to gather my thoughts for the day, summon some strength and then drift away for a little while.
All this is done in a mindful way. I'm still paying attention to my place in line, waiting for my Metro stop, moving forward in line, or watching the clock so I could shuttle the kids to school (back in the day). But I'm shutting out the negative stuff and focusing on good thoughts that calm me and make me happy.
You will still make all of your holiday preparations. You will still get to your destination and still accomplish the day's tasks. Yes, you will indeed still do everything you need to do. And if a few holiday details slip by, so what? You'll lower your blood pressure and still have a smile for your family, friends and co-workers.
Give it a try, and spread a little bit of joy and love this coming week. And have a peaceful and happy holiday.
