A time to ponder

Posted by Micha Jazz on 27 December 2011 | 1 Comments

Tags: New Year, 2012, relationships, family, church, healing, togetherness, Christmas, siblings, parents

Well Christmas fast fades and the New Year looms. A time to take a moment to think things through. For many the luxury of a few days out of the office and space alone. Using moments like this for some creative reflection is always valuable.

I make it a habit to seek out some silence for personal reflection. With journal in hand to capture anything that comes to mind that I perceive of value, I choose to walk along the Portsmouth shore line and feel the elements - the wind, the salt spray, the weakened warmth of the winter sunshine - as they impact my physical being.

This year my mind reflects upon my family relationships. As for so many, Christmas presents opportunities to take stock. Once again my 86 year old mum joined us, whilst my siblings Christmased in their own homes. This is the repeated pattern of our family Christmases, and Christmas seems to generate what might be termed traditions for families. I wonder in what ways conversations might be generated to explore alternative ways for managing Christmas. A dialogue that might give opportunity for each of us to express what our preference might be were we to pitch for the ideal we would value. In hearing each other's ideal we might find common ground that enriches each one of us.

Such conversations would bing real cheer and hope to many a family. Christmas experienced as separation or abandonment. Time hanging heavy through the the season turning merriment to sadness. And in the sadness images of the real nature of those family relationships haunt the mind and injure the heart.

So as I progress my contemplative walk I am reminded once again of the power constructive conversation provides in expressing heartfelt feelings, hurtful thoughts and the opportunity for unlocking dysfunctional relationships.

I return home pleased of the role mediation plays in bringing people together, many who had assumed that there was no way back. Mediation - creative conversations that carry the true spirit of Christmas throughout the year. Seasons Greetings to you; take a moment for constructive reflection on the eve of a new year.