Dear Friends,

As we approach the end of the year and reflect, I hope that these newsletters have inspired you in your everyday life.

I hope you spend this time with friends and family for a joyful holiday season filled with peace and joy!

Love and appreciation,

Gary

ONE-MINUTE WISDOM

When we give our attention to all the good that is happening within ourselves using compassion and honesty we are revitalized and renewed for what is before us.

COURAGE AND HONESTY

Compassion is defined as the sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. Compassion is invaluable. Honesty is defined as the quality of being free from deceit and untruthfulness. Compassion is crucial as we journey through life. The idea of being sympathetic to someone elseʼs pain and especially your own is truly powerful. It takes honesty to truly express compassion. Every human being as the ability to sympathize and ultimately empathize with the suffering of others. This empathy is a uniting force. Compassion is the bedrock of unity. But compassion cannot come forth without a brave and unique honesty. One can never give or get too much compassion.

Chocolate Peppermint Tea Latte

Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Serves 2

Ingredients

2 c. Vegan milk
2 mint-flavored tea bags
1 Tbsp. dark cocoa powder
2 Tbsp. maple syrup

Optional toppings:

dairy free whipped cream
crushed candy canes
gluten-free gingerbread man cookie
Christmas trees made with dairy-free white chocolate and gluten-free pretzels

Instructions

In a small pot, heat up the vegan milk. Bring to a boil. Add the tea bags and simmer on low for 5 minutes, stirring often.
Whisk in the cocoa powder and maple syrup until completely blended in.
Pour into 2 separate cups. Top with dairy-free whipped cream (optional).

AFFIRMATIONS:

Today, I celebrate every day.

Today, I love myself daily and let love flow through me.

Today, I view life with compassion and honesty.

DAILY EXERCISE

Working with Courage and Honesty

Be willing to empathize with yourself and with all others. Everyday assumes a posture that compassion is much more helpful than judgment. Take the time to understand that your suffering and the suffering of others really can be healed with honesty and love. We must all work, to be honest, and to be able to express compassion. Expressing empathy can be a very vulnerable action. Thus, one must be willing, to be honest with the pain and sympathy that they feel for others. Take time daily to recognize where compassion is most needed and helpful. Be willing, to be honest about the need for compassion and express it.

DECEMBER WISDOM

“ The greatest obstacles to inner peace are disturbing emotions such as anger, attachment, fear and suspicion, while love and compassion and a sense of universal responsibility are the sources of peace and happiness.”

Dalai Lama