Survive the Holiday Frenzy with a Focus on Spiritual Transformation

Dear Greenheart Friends,

In the height of the holiday season, we find ourselves in the annual cycle where we emphasize gift giving, peace and compassion toward all humankind. However, on the eve of the pivotal year of 2012, I think it behooves us to think even more deeply than usual on the meaning of this holiday season and our transformation into a new consciousness. In this great Shift, we want to escape the descent into materiality and instead, cross the wave trough toward our ascent into spirituality. This transformation is particularly important this year, and begins with how we define the holiday season.

I would encourage everyone to focus on the spiritual and psychological rewards of the holiday, as opposed to the material component of the season. Studies have shown that within the limbic reward part of the brain, we are just as satisfied by giving as we are by receiving. This year, let's take our holiday giving to a higher level and concentrate on the spiritual essence. That's not to say that we shouldn't give material gifts, obviously there are wonderful meaningful gifts to be found at fair trade locations, like the Greenheart Shop, but the real profound essence of our giving this year should be a contribution to the greater good.

Along those lines of further gift suggestions that don't necessarily come in a box, why not contemplate doing something for yourself or someone you love that contributes to your holistic well-being? For example, participate in some activity that will enhance the many qualities that are waiting to blossom in the year ahead. Join the Greenheart Transforms book club, find like-minded individuals or volunteer for a cause you feel passionate about, or participate in workshops and retreats like the Greenheart Transforms' 2012 Ibiza Transit to Transformation.

The real gift in our universe is the gift of love and sharing this with our friends, families, co-workers and the community around us. This holiday season let's commit to practicing a calm and open state of being and celebrate the holidays and New Year with conscious compassion.

Peace, blessings and holiday cheer to one and all,

Emanuel

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Finding Inner Peace in the Holiday Frenzy

We all enter the holiday season with the best of intentions of holiday cheer and stress free engagement with loved ones, only to see ourselves somewhat overwhelmed by the frenzy and fury of the season, unraveling with every social obligation, family reunion and growing to-do lists. Instead of the consumer focus on gift-buying this month, get through these busy next few weeks by concentrating first and foremost on the quality of our inner spiritual being.
Make a resolution to yourself right now, don't wait for next year or a specific day of the holiday season, and repeat the affirmation that you are committed to remaining healthy, vital and balanced within your mind, body, heart and soul. Read more..

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Quote of the Month: Investing in the Spirit

"Why not pay for spiritual growth? We will pay huge amounts of money on an iPhone, a new car, or a fancy dinner, but when it comes to feeding our soul and spirit, we double think the investment on taking a spiritual course or participating in a retreat, or yoga class. Read more...

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Upcoming Events

Prepare for a Retreat to Remember in 2012

I am a big fan of geomancy, the ancient art of understanding the earth's energies. Somewhat like a Feng Shui for geography, geomancy also includes an appreciation for the earth's ley lines and energy vortices. In the wanderings of my spiritual search I have always tried to be sensitive to geomancy-seeking out those special places on the planet that called to me with earth energy and cosmic vibrations.

Since the 1970s, two of the spots that have geomantically resonated the most with me are Sedona, AZ for masculine energy, and the Mediterranean island of Ibiza, off the coast of Spain, for feminine energy. In organizing transformative retreats, I have deliberately chosen places with this special energy. For the last two springs we have enjoyed the wonders of Sedona, and now it is time to take our transformation to Ibiza.