I’ve slowed up a lot lately, courtesy of a broken ankle. I needed to slow up, but didn’t see how I could. Once the disappointment of the inconvenience passed, I decided to look for the gifts available in this “interesting adventure.” The upshot will be that instead of a tale of woe, I’ll have an inspiring story to share.

So far, I have newfound appreciation for the ease with which we normally perform everyday tasks. I’ll never again take for granted the ability to jump in my car to exchange solitude for face time with the outside world. Being forced to stay put has enriched my inner world in new ways.

I wasn’t crazy about needing extra help from others, but once members of my tribe showed up, I’ve been learning anew the art of receiving. It’s made me contemplate the pivotal roles that friends and family have played in my life every step of the way.

Growing up in a small Michigan town, my seven siblings and neighborhood playmates constituted my tribe all the way through high school, along with a host of local aunts, uncles and cousins. I felt safe and connected in this community.

Christmas mornings were an enchanting bubble of flying wrapping paper and Santa gifts from my wish list. It wasn’t all perfect… but it’s sure been a hard act to follow in later years through long-distance moves, divorce and the loss of loved ones. I see holidays as a barometer of how connected I feel, both to good people and my innermost self.

Some holidays I just wanted to get through. One memorable season, in spite of everything, I decided on the purposeful intention to find and experience every magical event and encounter available to me and to acknowledge perfection in everything. I was amazed by the consequences… I found miracles and love everywhere and felt spiritually reconnected to Source energy. Loving life animates us.

This month’s Uplifting Humanity feature article, “Loving Large,” by Editor Linda Sechrist, underscores how we are all inherently connected. Even scientists are confirming that love is the glue that binds us and makes the whole universe work.

We crave the feeling of being part of something bigger than ourselves; to feel safely supported and loved. Actively participating in our tribes—whether our immediate family, work group, spiritual circle or good people from diverse cultures and belief systems—we can commit to seeing the divine spark in all that show up in our world.

I’m learning more than ever before the necessity of spending quiet time filling up our own love cup, starting by loving everything about our self, flaws and all, so that we can live in a state of compassionate forgiveness, grace and gratitude for all.

Let’s have a love-in this holiday season, our heart singing along with Diana Ross. “What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It's the only thing that there's just too little of. What the world needs now is love, sweet love. No not just for some, but for everyone.”

Happy Holidays from all of us at Natural Awakenings,

Sharon Bruckman, Publisher