This year we expect that sales will break all records!

However, we cannot help but think that this anniversary celebrates the coming to earth of one of humanity’s greatest avatars – who, additionally, lived in total poverty according to his own words. But even this simple reminder makes us feel ill at ease in the post-Christian world that we live in.

An image taken in an orphanage by an Iraqi artist. The little girl had never seen her mother, so she drew a mother on the ground and fell asleep on top of the drawing. Let’s appreciate what we have.

So, this blog is a plea to remember that not everyone can afford a six-kilo turkey or a vacation in Zermatt or Bermuda. In fact, I would like to suggest to you an exercise in compassion which you could use to connect with and relieve the world’s suffering. The image here may have upset me more than any other image in my life. It can help those who need visual support to try this exercise.

The strength of this exercise lies in a truly clear intention to help the world and a deep sincerity. It will help you to do so if you can really see that in the non-dual vision of this website, your sister, your brother is you. You are two waves on the ocean of infinite Love which is your substance and your life as a community. We could not exist outside this ocean and in perfect unity with it.  Take at least 20 minutes to do it but the more time you have, the better it will be.  (You can also do it on the train or bus on your way to work if you find a quiet spot).

Get comfortable, alone in as quiet a place as possible. Sit down, please. Breathe deeply several times. Put your hand on your heart.

Then repeat mentally slowly, several times, “I open my heart to all my brothers and sisters in the world who spend Christmas* in suffering or a lack of anything (safety, resources, support… the list is long whether in the South or here) and I visualize them receiving all the support they need.” Then see them in your mind’s eye receiving this help.

Alternatively, you can take a situation that is particularly close to your heart (street children, child soldiers, mothers who are raising children alone in slums…) Then you spend a while visualizing the help they need manifesting itself.

Be careful: you must not absorb their suffering inside you, on the contrary, you must send them strength, hope, courage and see them progress.

Feel free to recreate this exercise in your own way. The most important thing is your feeling of deep compassion and your visualizing a solution.

A TIP FOR YOUR HOLIDAY GIFTS: Instead of gifting things to people who don’t really need them, why not send them a card with the words: “On your behalf, I donated ($, €, £, CHF…) to and you indicate the name of the organization for … (and you describe the project).

And if you still eat a six-kilo turkey at Christmas, or even four or five, don’t feel guilty. Enjoy it fully!

*or any other religious holiday you celebrate

Pierre Pradervand
December 2019