The holiday season brings a variety of feelings for most everyone. There is joy – joy of being with family, of seeing that child laugh with glee at getting that surprise gift. There is the joy that comes with the spiritual aspect of the holiday – celebrating religious events, time alone, disconnecting, returning to nature or the simple life, if even for a short time.

There is pressure – the self imposed pressure to get the right gift, the stress of the crowds, the worry about having enough money to buy gifts. For the person who eschews gift giving, there may be pressure to find time away from work to be with family, or to take a break from the grind.

Whatever the holidays bring for you, take some time to get in touch with yourself, your inner being, your spirit. Yin is converting to Yang and the Light is returning. The season of withdrawal is transitioning into the season of growth.

What do you want from this new year? Make it happen – find your Tao and follow it!

Best wishes for your holiday season from Bill, Allison and all the teachers, students and staff at the Taoist Sanctuary.