Unlocking Holiday Serenity: Discovering Your Inner Source

In the quest for holiday serenity over the next few weeks, I’ll discuss strategies to navigate the hustle, bustle, traditions, and perceived obligations that often leave us feeling stressed, depressed, and out of control. It all begins with you—your beliefs, your boundaries, and your true desires in this season.

It can be challenging to separate our beliefs from the expectations and norms of society. We may be influenced by the opinions and beliefs of others, without examining if they align with our values and desires. We may also be exposed to constant messaging and advertising that attempts to shape our beliefs without our consent.

I grew up in a loosely Christian household and really took to it starting in fourth or fifth grade. I loved the pageantry, the music, and the community. It was also a great way to get out of the house.

It wasn’t until we got a new pastor who decided that the gays were going to hell in a handbasket that I started to seriously question everything. The thing is that I didn’t know that I was gay at the time. It was the fact that you couldn’t say those kinds of hateful things from such a holy position.

From there, I studied many different things before I landed in the Spiritual Life Center. Rev. John really had a broad approach to spirituality that allowed us to take what made sense from everything and leave the rest. When that center closed, I found that John taught much differently than the other Unity ministers in the area which is truly what led me to Jediism.

I love how there are Universal core teachings but no real dogma on how to practice. It allows me to create my connection to that which is bigger, call it the Force, Source, Universe, God, Alah, Sky Daddy, Dark Matter or my personal favorite Great Spirit Unknown and Unknowable.

Now, I am not telling you this because you should follow me in any way. I am telling you all this because defining for yourself what you believe and coming to terms with that which is bigger (however YOU define it) is the first step in surviving this holiday season.

When you know what you believe and don’t believe without all the upbringing, the prejudices, and external influences clouding your judgment, you gain a sense of inner peace and authenticity. This clarity is crucial for navigating the holiday season, where external pressures and expectations can easily overwhelm us.

As I journeyed through various spiritual paths and belief systems, I discovered the power of defining my own beliefs and forging a personal connection with something greater than myself. This realization led me to Jediism, a path that resonated with my values and allowed me to explore spirituality without the constraints of rigid dogma. It provided a framework for me to connect with what I choose to call the Force, Source, Universe, or any other name that resonates with my soul.

In sharing my personal journey, I’m not advocating for you to adopt my beliefs or follow a specific path. What’s most important is that you take the time to explore and define what you believe in. Your beliefs don’t have to conform to any particular religion or doctrine. Instead, they should reflect your own experiences, values, and understanding of the world.

Once you’ve embarked on this introspective journey and found your own spiritual path, you can approach the holiday season with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence. The external pressures to conform to societal norms and expectations lose their grip on you when you’re firmly rooted in your beliefs.

The holiday season should be a time of joy, connection, and celebration, but it can often turn into a stressful, overwhelming period. By understanding what you truly believe and embracing your own spiritual connection, you can reclaim the essence of the holidays and make them a time of genuine fulfillment.

So, whether you find solace in the teachings of a particular faith, a philosophical system, or a personal connection to the cosmos, take this season as an opportunity to make peace with your source. Embrace your beliefs, define your connection to that which is bigger, and allow it to guide you through the holiday season with a sense of serenity and purpose.

In the upcoming weeks, we will delve deeper into various aspects of surviving the holiday season, including managing stress, setting boundaries, and finding genuine joy in the midst of the holiday chaos. Remember, it all starts with you, your beliefs, and your connection to the source that brings meaning to your life.

Other articles you may enjoy