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At year’s end

 with love and hope for the  New Year

 Winter Holidays, 2020

In times like these …

Wait. There’ve been no “times like these”. I’ve had no practice feeling everyday-anxious, trying to stay a few steps ahead of that gloomy, looming shadow that wants to attach itself to my heels. But one thing I’ve come to know – it is connection that keeps us upright, moving forward. It’s love that takes our hand and leads us through the dark.

There is no darkness when I’m with you.

And for that, for you all, I am grateful.

~ Carole

Winter Holiday wallpaper 2020. C and V in Central Park, Vincent holds a sprig of mistletoe as people walk past. Text excerpted from John O'Donohue, For Presence: Awaken to the mystery of being here and enter the quiet immensity of your presence. Have joy and peace in the temple of your senses. Respond to the call of your gift and find the courage to follow its path. May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame. May anxiety never linger about you. Take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention. Be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul. May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder.

(feel free to download the wallpaper for your personal use)

A Blessing of Presence  

(full text)
by John O’Donohue
   

May you awaken to the mystery of being here and enter the quiet immensity of your own presence.

May you have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.

May you receive great encouragement when new frontiers beckon.

May you respond to the call of your gift and find the courage to follow its path.

May the flame of anger free you from falsity.

May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame and may anxiety never linger about you.

May your outer dignity mirror your inner dignity of soul.

May you take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention.

May you be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul.

May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart wonder.

from Eternal Echoes, Celtic Reflections On Our Yearning to Belong. Harper Perennials. 2000.

A Blessing of Presence  

(full text)
by John O’Donohue
   

May you awaken to the mystery of being here and enter the quiet immensity of your own presence.

May you have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.

May you receive great encouragement when new frontiers beckon.

May you respond to the call of your gift and find the courage to follow its path.

May the flame of anger free you from falsity.

May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame and may anxiety never linger about you.

May your outer dignity mirror your inner dignity of soul.

May you take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention.

May you be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul.

May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart wonder.

from Eternal Echoes, Celtic Reflections On Our Yearning to Belong. Harper Perennials. 2000.