Dear Friends,

As unusual as this holiday season may be, it is also rife with heartwarming examples of people caring for and supporting one another. I have been brought to tears a few times hearing about congregants who have brought meals to people who are ill or in need; who have provided transportation for those who can’t drive; who have been calling or (safely) visiting people who are isolated; and who have even taken other congregants shopping for groceries or, in one case, new clothes!

Dear Friends,

The holidays can be wondrous and joyful, but can also bring up feelings of sadness or grief. This year, because we are more isolated and apart than usual, the season may be particularly difficult for many.

Dear Friends,

As I shared last Sunday, we have all been affected by a multitude of losses this year, as a country and as individuals. Here are the suggestions I offered Sunday on how to process our grief:

Find ways to fully express the loss and what it means to you. Seek out people you trust and talk to them about what you’re grieving and how you feel.

Many of us set intentions as part of our New Year’s ritual. It’s one thing to set the ritual and another to act on it.  We can use the “I AM Model” to bring about what we’ve envisioned. It says: Intention + Attention = Manifestation. Once we set an intention, we must give it attention to bring it into manifestation.

Here are some ways you can give attention to your highest intention for the New Year: