HERE IS A LINK TO A MEANS OF EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALING THAT I HAVE BEEN MEDITATING UPON FOLLOWING THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS AND BEGINNING, FOR ME, THIS SEASON OF ADVENT. THIS SEASON ALWAYS WORKS BEST FOR ME WHEN I CONSTANTLY REMIND MYSELF IT IS A TIME OF PREPARING MY HEART ALL OVER AGAIN TO RECEIVE THE BIRTH OF MY LORD AND SAVIOR THEREIN.
Key to easing a painful memory? Dream about it.
HOW CAN I PREPARE MY HEART?
1. GIVING IT THE MEDICINE IT NEEDS TO HEAL ENOUGH TO BECOME A NURTURING RESTING PLACE
2. GIVING IT THE REST IT NEEDS TO HAVE TIME TO DREAM
3. GIVING IT THE FOOD IT NEEDS, BOTH SPIRITUALLY AND PHYSICALLY, TO THRIVE
4. GIVING IT THE TIME IT NEEDS TO EXPAND AND CONTRACT AND SQUEEZE AND LET GO
5. GIVING IT THE OXYGEN IT NEEDS TO HOLD ITS OWN BREATH IN EXPECTANCY
6. GIVING IT THE FLUIDS IT NEEDS TO WATER MY SOUL
7. GIVING IT THE AROMAS IT NEEDS TO PREPARE A PLACE OF WORSHIP IN PURITY
8. GIVING IT THE TOUCHES IT NEEDS TO CONNECT TO ALL HIS OTHER CHILDREN
9. GIVING IT THE PRAYERFOCUS IT NEEDS TO KNEEL AT ITS OWN MANGER
10.GIVING IT THE STUDY IF NEEDS TO LEARN HOW TO REST AND WORK IN BALANCE
Oh, little heart of mine, are you big enough?
Are you big enough to be a manger?
Oh, little heart of mine, are you sweet enough?
Are you sweet enough to feed a baby?
Oh, little heart of mine, are you soft enough?
Are you soft enough to hug that little child?
Oh, little heart of mine, are you strong enough?
Are you strong enough to pulse with that baby’s love?
Oh, little heart of mine, are you filled with enough air and blood?
Are you filled enough to hold still while all those others come to love?
Oh, little heart of mine, are you wise enough?
Are you wise enough to tell of His love to others?
Oh, little heart of mine, are you broken enough?
Are you broken enough to let the baby’s light shine through?
Oh, little heart of mine, are you still enough?
Are you still enough to rest within the baby’s arms?
Oh, little heart of mine, have you learned enough?
Have you learned enough to talk to my soul?
Oh, little heart of mine, have you prayed enough?
Have you prayed enough to kneel with the lambs?
granbee 
Nov 30, 2011 @ 07:27:57
Good to have you “like” my post…thanks for your visit.
Dec 01, 2011 @ 05:09:37
It was my pleasure. I wish wordpress would give us a “loved it” button! I look forward to more enlightening and inspiring posts from you in the near future, Joni!
Nov 30, 2011 @ 14:30:47
Hi Granbee! This is so lovely, I want to read and reread it. I am touched the same heart-spirit way, preparing for the Miracle. Advent is so much richer, meaningful than the “merchandised” Christmas season. Your words are a soft and important reminder. Thanks ever so much!!
Dec 01, 2011 @ 05:12:24
Caddo, bless you for using that word “soft”: the air above Bethlehem was “soft”, the lambs with the shepherds were “soft”, the angel’s wing feathers were “soft”, Mary’s adoring gaze and every touch were “soft”, the padding steps of the wisemen’s camels were “soft”. Such holy company you have me keeping with my words! May it be so!
Dec 01, 2011 @ 05:46:18
I would say your Heart is VERY big and VERY Wise.. and just loved that poem you wrote… Here’s to the season of HOPE!… Love and Blessings to you xx
Dec 01, 2011 @ 05:49:50
Thank you, Sue. But, see? I aspire to have a “small” heart in Advent in kneeling before HIM. Thank you for encouraging my journey to wisdom, as well! Ever hopeful! Blessings on you and your house, as well!
Dec 03, 2011 @ 07:43:38
This is absolutely beautiful and just knowing you in a short time, I can say that you have a big heart! Your words have also helped me…I love this time of year, but as I mentioned in one of my previous posts, we’re not sure of some things in the near future. Anyway, enough of that, thank you, again!
Dec 04, 2011 @ 01:42:08
No, Lauren, we have NEVER been “sure” of anything, if we are honest with ourselves as human beings. All we can do is BE: really, truly, deeply with ourselves, with all others possible, and with the Father/Great Spirit/Creator/Essence: whatever very inadequate word seems best to you to apply in this circumstance. I am so honored to have helped you, especially at this time of year, which should be so joyous, yet contains so much time wasted on regrets, etc. Lauren, BE the Lauren you were created to be–no apologies necessary! “God” did NOT make any garbage! Try to find and read a little of Henry Nouwen’s book , THE BELOVED.
Dec 04, 2011 @ 04:05:39
Thank you, Rose, for your true words…we do have our faith in God and know He will guide us no matter what happens. Sometimes, I slip and get a little down, but most of the time, I’m optimistic and move with the flow. I will try to read the book; not sure when, but I will try. Thanks for your suggestion! Lately, I’ve been racing with the circular hands and not winning! Anyway, it’s all good and please know that any advice or wise words of wisdom is much appreciated! 🙂
Dec 04, 2011 @ 04:12:01
See how much you have to look forward to when a few more decades of life experiences have “smoothed” out the roller coaster emotions a little bit? That really will happen for you with your seeking heart, Lauren!
Dec 04, 2011 @ 04:17:26
Rose, I’m only 15 years younger than you; not a huge difference, but I do understand what you’re conveying! You’re awesome! Keep inspiring, as you do and the world will be a much better place! xo
Dec 04, 2011 @ 04:29:40
Lauren, I still looked “much younger than that” 15 years ago, as well! But I am so thankful to be where I am RIGHT NOW with my writing and my friends and loved ones and pets and…and…and….you get the idea!
Dec 04, 2011 @ 04:45:11
Of course, I do, and it’s been fun chatting with you! 🙂
Dec 04, 2011 @ 04:48:09
Ditto–and bless you!
Dec 04, 2011 @ 08:54:39
Think I’m going to print this out and tape it on my wall. 🙂 I need to rest and refocus this Advent season. Well put!!
Dec 06, 2011 @ 00:37:26
I am so humbled by your reception of my post here! Thank you for sharing a little about your own Advent needs! Peace and joy to you!
Dec 18, 2011 @ 04:03:21
Oh, what a beautiful nourishing reflection on the advent season. And the questioning is such a gently powerful way of examining ourselves, our intentions and motivations, at any time!
Dec 18, 2011 @ 05:08:47
Coming from such an accomplished bardess, these are high compliments, indeed! Yes, I had hoped my use of the questioning mode would retain a sense of hush, of quiet, of awe, of respect in preparing for the Coming Child, even as I was examined our human weaknesses as part of this preparation. Thank you so much for finding this approach in this post!