
On Christmas eve, after bath time, my mother always lit a special candle and gathered all my siblings around her. I felt the soft, snuggly-ness of my clean, damp skin against my pajamas, my quietly breathing, kneeling little sisters pressing up against me, and the sacredness of the moment.
It was dark, peaceful, and intimate. My mom would lead us in prayers, then we’d be quiet for a few moments before getting tucked in. I remember feeling safe and loved, warm, happy, excited…and connected.
After a year that’s been so isolating in so many ways, it can be hard to feel connected – particularly during the holidays when connection is something that I crave deeply.
And yet there is a broader reality which is this: we are undeniably interconnected and interdependent, regardless of our physical proximity.
Even though I haven’t seen so many people that I care about this year, when I slow down and enter into stillness, I know they are with me somehow. There’s a vibrational ocean of oneness that connects us all – and it’s real, not just a nice metaphor.
This vibrational ocean is the source, the root of our connection.
So, the question I’m asking right now is this: how can I dive deeper into that vibrational ocean?
I know that when I meditate sincerely and regularly, and immerse myself in that ocean, I’m (almost paradoxically) much more connected to the people I love, and to everyone else, and to everything else on the planet as well.
This is the time of year that calls me to turn within, go into the stillness, move deeper and deeper inside myself.
And, in the depths of that singularity, the connection is irrefutable – in fact, it becomes the only reality.
The force that propels me to dive deeper is the most attractive and powerful force in the universe: Love. Love is the water that vibrates and reifies the interconnected ocean. It’s the water that I want to swim in.
Human beings need to be close, we are hardwired for connection. But when we connect to the source of all love, then physical separation becomes bearable. And at the very least we can feel okay about being apart during these times when physical separation is saving lives.
Turning within every day greatly diminishes any lingering feelings of loneliness or isolation. It reminds me of the eternal interconnectedness of all things. It diminishes sadness and makes my life meaningful. It situates my existence as integral, as an essential vibrational aspect of the ocean.
I hope you have some time this season for stillness, quiet, and the inner exploration that leads to the ocean of oneness.
May your holidays be filled with love and deep connection.
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Thank you for your thoughtful, motivational blog, it does provide focus. All the best to you and yours.
Merry Christmas
Thank you for your teachings and practice. All the best to you and your family!
Beautiful thoughts. As always it it wonderful to read your writings, blogs, workshops…all well written and with integrity!
Today is our daughter’s birthday. I am going to forward this to her. I know she will value it as I do. Thanks for sharing the memories.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Happy New Year as well.
With Gratitude,
Carol Brown
Merry Christmas. Thank you for this reflection on connection. It is so life-giving to hear your authentic thoughts. Love….love is the water that vibrates and connects us. Amen.
Thank you so much, you touched my soul. I could feel the oneness with my loved ones who are far away. I am forwarding this to them and I am sure they will be delighted and feel the same.
And the same wishes back to you and yours. I am enjoying your teachings very much and appreciate another expression of the deep connection and truth of love that lives at the heart of all serious spiritual traditions.
Merry Christmas 🎄
Thank you for these warm thoughts that are so helpful especially now. Merry Christmas ❤️🎄
Thank you for the inspiration Kristine! You are a great example to follow and a very generous teacher and human being! Have a wonderful, self-connecting holiday season and the deep hope for a new year that brings vibrant energy and renewal. God bless!
This was beautiful – ty ❤️🎄
Your beautiful words are so appreciated and powerful. They literally changed my thinking today. Many thanks and I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday.