December 15th, 2024
We are approaching that magical day of the Winter Solstice, when the Light, both physically and metaphorically, overcomes the darkness. From December 21st onward, the days will continue to lengthen and the light increase with the Sun’s warmth. A new cycle is beginning, full of promise and glad tidings as we, too, allow our souls to shine bright and prevail over the perceived darkness we may see in the world around us. It is also a time for silent reflection, to acknowledge and honor the Bright Lights that we are and to experience our flame that, though it may have sputtered at times or even gone out momentarily, is surely being rekindled. Please join us and share your thoughts about this sacred time of year. We’ll celebrate with a potluck (inside!) after our gathering. Details in the “Looking Ahead” section below.
Solstice Blessings to you! Colleen and Mark
Quotes to ponder
“This is the season when people of all faiths and cultures are pushing back against the planetary darkness. We string bulbs, ignite bonfires, and light candles. And we sing.”
~ Anita Diamant
“You are the light of the world. Shine, and darkness will disappear.”
~ Paulo Coelho
“As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others.”
~ Marianne Williamson
“The rebirth of the sun at winter solstice signifies renewal for the earth as she embarks on another cycle of life. And, because we are children of the earth, we can take part in this sacred cycle, feeling the renewal of our own life.”
~ Scott Awbrey
“The winter solstice has always been special to me as a barren darkness that gives birth to a verdant future beyond imagination, a time of pain and withdrawal that produces something joyfully inconceivable, like a monarch butterfly masterfully extracting itself from the confines of its cocoon, bursting forth into unexpected glory.”
~ Gary Zukav
Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest
Our annual Christmas Eve concert will take place at 7 p.m., December 24th (doors at 6:30) PLEASE RSVP as space is limited! We are already filling up quickly and will soon create a waiting list. Our program runs approximately 75 minutes so folks can get to any other festivities planned for that night.
Sunday, December 15th – In Person Paths of Heart Gathering, 10:30 a.m. Holiday Potluck following our gathering! Tables will be set up ahead of time in the Great Room to facilitate a quick change for breaking bread together. Please bring a dish to share and your own reusable plates – we’ll provide silverware, cups, cloth napkins, and a variety of beverages.
Tuesday, December 24th, 7 p.m. – Annual Christmas Eve concert with the Crosson/Sloniker family and perhaps some special guests. Doors open at 6:30. RSVPs are required as we always have a full house. We will gratefully accept love offerings/donations for Paths of Heart and our musicians that night.
Sunday, January 5th – ZOOM Paths of Heart Gathering, 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, January 19th – In Person Paths of Heart Gathering, 10:30 a.m.
Giving Opportunities
Paths of Heart continues to welcome and appreciate your generous donations as we work to bolster our finances and return to regular Sunday gatherings. During the pandemic, online donations became increasingly important to our organization, and are always gratefully accepted on our website, https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/. There is an option for recurring monthly donations, if you so choose. We have also added Venmo as an easy way to donate to Paths of Heart! Just type in @PathsofHeart to find us in the Venmo app. Thanks so much for supporting the continuation of Paths of Heart. Remember, we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your donations are tax deductible!
Another easy way to further support Paths of Heart is through the King Soopers Community Rewards Program – If you shop at KS and have a rewards card, you can “link” it to Paths of Heart and King Soopers will donate a portion of your dollars spent (around 5%) to our non-profit. Go to https://www.kingsoopers.com/i/community/community-rewards to sign up and link your card. Our organization name is Paths of Heart and organization number is RG782. Let us know if you want help signing up! This one small gesture (by just 25 or so families at this point) helps to generate over $1,000 a year for Paths of Heart, so we appreciate your consideration in participating in this valuable program!!
“Paths of Heart” Labyrinth and Zen Meditation Garden
This was intentioned as a community space, so know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk or sit – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks in the labyrinth to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to walk it on a dry day.
Gratitudes
Thank you SO MUCH to all who contributed to Paths of Heart during Giving Tuesday and Colorado Gives Day. We are so grateful for your financial support!
What are you grateful for today?
“Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other.”
~ Nishan Panwar
“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.”
~ Anthony Robbins
“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”
~ Maya Angelou
“There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy.”
~ Ralph H. Blum
“What I’ve learned is there’s a scientifically proven phenomenon that’s attached to gratitude, and that if you consciously take note of what is good in your life, quantifiable benefits happen.”
~ Deborah Norville
About Paths of Heart…
Paths of Heart is a high spirited, heart-centered community where we gather together (in new and creative ways!) for music, poetry, commentary, and dialogue to create and nurture joy, compassion, gratitude, and love – in our own lives and throughout the world. Paths of Heart is a 501(c)(3) Human Services/Educational non-profit organization that uses the arts, especially, to encourage and propel seekers of a better, more peaceful world to find ways to serve, while becoming more kind and compassionate human beings.
We welcome you as we collectively and individually explore the sweet mysteries of life – this is an invitation into co-creation!
Visit us on the web at https://www.pathsofheart.org
We hope our physical paths may cross soon!