Come Home for the Holidays
by JoAnne Dodgson
author of Unleashing Love, MoonDance Journal, Walking the Spiral Path, Gifts of the Grandmother, and Cocooning.
Imagine what it'd be like if the only gift that you shared
this holiday season was you. There'd be no shop-til-you-drop.
No wrapping paper, ribbons and bows. No maxing-out credit
cards or carefully counting loose change to determine how
much you can afford to spend. What would it be like to simply
share the gift of being you? And who is the you that you’d
share?
It's so easy to leave ourselves behind in a frenzied holiday
rush, trying to wrap our love up with ribbons, light our
lives up with candles, and search for belonging in crowded
events. We can end up overwhelmed and exhausted, wondering
where all the magic went. As the new year rolls around,
we make fervent vows to, once and for all, change our ways,
only to realize that soon we’re caught up once again
in the sameold same old. Blinded by the belief that happiness
is somewhere out-there, we easily ignore what’s ready
to be discovered if only we’d take a look inside.
So
come home for the holidays. The holidays are a beautiful
time to unwrap the bindings and step out of the boxes which
confine us. We can let go of the shoulds and supposed-to’s
which weigh us down and keep us hidden and hiding. We can
untangle ourselves from longstanding legacies, honoring
what has been, and bring what it is deeply nourishes us
into the here and now.
Setting aside our own and others’ expectations, we’re
able to more clearly see our choices. Reaching beyond old
wounds and past regrets, leaving behind the if-only’s
and could-have-beens, we can explore the mysteries and magic
of all the seasons of our lives as we walk our chosen path.
There's boundless compassion and joy that live within each
of us. There's unconditional love to be shared all around.
So come home for the holidays. Embrace the beauty and magic
of your own soul. Awaken all that's waiting to be discovered,
right there inside you. What do you love? Rediscover your
passions. What do you really want? Reclaim your vast inner
knowing. How do you choose to celebrate the holidays? What
gatherings, rituals, foods and traditions are nourishing
for your soul? Let your holiday celebrations authentically
reflect who you are. Be creative. Enjoy the adventure. Remember
to play. Create sacred space this holiday season. Share
the spectacular gift of simply being you.
Copyright © 2005 by JoAnne Dodgson
JoAnne Dodgson, Ed.D. is a healer, teacher and medicine storyteller in ancient Peruvian medicine ways, Ka Ta See.
She has a doctorate in counseling psychology and over twenty years experience offering counseling, ceremonial gatherings, holistic healing and workshops. JoAnne lives in the enchanted desert mesas of New Mexico.
JoAnne's writings include medicine stories and five books: Unleashing Love, MoonDance Journal, Walking the Spiral Path, Gifts of the Grandmother, and Cocooning.
Stories by JoAnne Dodgson
Online Courses by JOANNE DODGSON
new Shaman's Circle: Earth Spirits and Guides
taught by Mentor: JoAnne Dodgson
'Shaman's Circle' offers opportunities to deepen your understandings of the path of the shaman and to integrate these ancient ways into your everyday life. 
Each lesson offers discussion of unique aspects of the shaman's path such as bridging the varied dimensions of reality, living in balance with natural cycles and creating sacred ceremony. Each lesson guides you in opportunities to discover and enrich your innate connection with the web of life on the mother earth and in the world of the spirits.
Price: $49.95
Sign up for Shaman's Circle
new Manifesting with the Moon
taught by Mentor: JoAnne Dodgson
'Manifesting with the Moon' invites you to explore the unique energies and opportunities in each moon phase during one complete lunar cycle, one mo(o)nth. With the moon as a guide, you will engage in an organic manifestation process which begins with claiming your intent, giving voice to your visions and dreams.
Price: $49.95
Sign up for Manifesting with the Moon
