It just occurred to me that I need to find peace with my eyes open. I tend to go into meditation, or hop on my Reiki table when I am feeling surges of emotions or other energies that are working their way up to the surface for acknowledgement. 


I listen and I go within. But with the holiday here, which includes festivities and more possible triggers of emotion, I realized that I better figure out a way to find my peace with my eyes open.

The holiday’s, in general, are interesting; partially because I live 3,000 miles away from my family, but also because I am single. This seems to worry my friends, which is sweet and comical, but it also puts pressure on me to “be okay”. So while I am very fortunate to have wonderful friends who are like family, I still find myself in a strange space, wanting to be completely alone and away from the celebration.

Well, this year I decided that I am going to do it differently. I have accepted invitations to dinners and other gatherings, but even the thought of this entices my emotion to boil over. So, what to do? Again, I know I have to find a way of finding peace with my eyes open, while interacting with other people in the holiday fun.

I am sharing this because I know I can’t be the only one feeling unnerved by the idea of obligatory cheer. And yes, I’m sure there will be genuine laughter and feelings of joy, on my part, but I also know that there will be and underlying sadness, which I will have to deal with.

And that’s just it…

It’s something to deal with. My attempt to even engage is really an attempt to allow myself to feel whatever it is I may possibly feel. And to find peace, I have to let myself feel whatever may come up, remembering the underlying fortune and gratitude I have for every person in my life: family, friend, client, student…and even the amazing souls who have crossed my path only once or twice.

Community. The holiday is very communal, although I have made it a tradition of solitude. And the truth is, I can only be at peace with my EYE open, allowing myself to see and acknowledge that which I hold within my field of consciousness. If the last few weeks have taught me anything, it’s that we are transforming in new ways, digging deep and really tapping into the roots of who and what we are.

So with my eyes open, I will acknowledge the beautiful souls before me, finding peace in the beauty of exchange and inclusion. With my eyes open, I will give thanks for all I am experiencing and my continued opportunities for healing and growth. And with my eyes open, I will see that it’s all a matter of perspective. Yes, I hold myself accountable to practicing what I teach.

If you are missing someone this holiday, remember they are still with you, which is why you’re even holding them in thought. Smile and give thanks for your happy memories, then allow your heart to beam. We are so blessed to have known those we love, no matter the length of time.

I wish you all a beautiful holiday! May you find joy in all you encounter. May you give and receive love, with gratitude. May you be light, acknowledging and nurturing your spirit! May you find peace, with your eyes open.

With love,
Yolanda