Lussi Night and Luciadagen

Tonight is Lussi Night in Norway and in Sweden, and tomorrow is Luciadagen (pronounced LOO-sha-da-gen), or St. Lucia’s Day, or St. Lucy’s Day.

It's hard to sort out all the Lucys: We have St. Lucia, a Sicilian woman in the reign of Diocletian who became a Christian martyr. Because her name means light, she was appointed to be the patron saint for the eyes.

We also have the older Roman goddess Lucina, also the goddess of light, and of childbirth- bringing children to light.

And in Scandinavia, we have Lussi, a female demon or witch accompanied by an entourage of gnomes and spirits called Lussiferda.

Agenda:

1. Full effort for gift-making

2. Preschool plans

3. Set out more candles

4. Make Lussekatt (St. Lucia buns)

5. Lusse-vigil

Third Quarter Moon of Advent, for Inner Peace

Today is the third Quarter moon. This waning moon energy is yin - quiet, internal, heart-driven, intentional Being-ness. At this phase we can ease off a bit on actively pursuing goals, slow down, go within, and attend to inner work, renewal, and self-care. This isn’t a moment for starting new projects but for finishing up old ones, making peace with the past, and preparing for a fresh start at the next new moon.

This week of advent my theme is "Striving to find unity and peace with all the people of the world". One way I do that is to create and retain inner peace. Right about now, as the holiday energy builds and social demands increase, I need to review practices that help me to maintain an even-temper, patience, and grounded-ness.

Agenda:

1. Prayer for the light

2. Read "Perspective" 

3. Inner peace practice

4. Ritual for Release and Realignment

5. Meditation and Evaluation Journal

6. Monthly journal brainstorm

Human Rights Day

Today is Human Rights Day: The United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on this day in 1948.

This year’s Human Rights Day Theme – Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials: "In this period of turbulence and unpredictability, where many feel a growing sense of insecurity, disaffection and alienation, the theme of Human Rights Day is to reaffirm the values of human rights and show that they remain a winning proposition for humanity."

"When we protect the most vulnerable, when we refuse to look away, when we speak up for the institutions that speak up for us, we keep human rights alive." ~António Guterres

Agenda:

1. Journal queries

2. Choose next steps

3. Proaction and reciprocity plans

4. Take the human rights pledge

Christmas in Bethlehem

My theme for this week of Advent is "Striving to find unity and peace with all the people of the world".

One way I love to do that is by learning about the traditions and beliefs of people throughout the world. In years past I've studied Ireland, Germany and Switzerland, the Netherlands, Norway, Italy, and Mexico.

This year I've decided to look at Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus.

Agenda:

1- Read "Present Moment Awareness"

2- Research Bethlehem

3- A Prayer for Peace and Forgiveness

5- Make soft Irish ginger cookies
6- Make a piñata for Las Posadas

Unity with All People

This week of advent my theme is "Striving to find unity and peace with all the people of the world". The first step is always to remember to be peaceful within myself, and find harmony with the people I interact with.

Monday is my day to reset for the week and get my ducks in a row - make some plans for health, home, holiday, and prepare for Grandson fun. Today I'll also make plans for inner peace, generosity, and daily harmony.

Agenda:

1. Read "The Sweet Spot"

2. Generosity practice

3. Holiday Mindset

4. Advent school plans

5. Fall Order and Home projects

Second Sunday of Advent

Today starts the second week of advent. Advent is a time of vigilant waiting; I wait for something mysterious and unscheduled, with quiet excitement, and expectation. If I fall asleep to this awareness I risk missing the moment of joy, courage, or insight; the gift of grace that has the potential to feed me in ways I need.

Agenda Today:

1. Love Meditation

2. Read "It's a Meaningful Life"

3. Grace notes

4. Plan activities for unity and peace

5. Advent wreath ceremony