How can you not love a day called Epiphany day?? There is a long history to Epiphany Day. If you would like to learn about it by all means check it out. Here is the Wikipedia version http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphany_(holiday).
I celebrate a slightly more playful and looser version of the historical holiday by celebrating the actual meaning of the word Ephiphany along with just a splash of history.
Day of Epiphany reminds me to let go, to enjoy life and give myself time to create. It is about listening and looking for the gift of an epiphany. Epiphany day is a reminder that laying a good foundation is essential but there is also a time to lighten up and let ideas flow in.
During the day, I Make cookies with beans-wishing all who eat get good luck for the new year. I look for and expect an abundance of epiphanies. And finally, we take down our Christmas decorations and pack away until next year. A simple and lovely day.
What exactly is an epiphany anyway? Here is what Wikipedia has to say:
Definition: "An epiphany is an experience of sudden and striking realization. Generally the term is used to describe breakthrough scientific, religious or philosophical discoveries, but it can apply in any situation in which an enlightening realization allows a problem or situation to be understood from a new and deeper perspective."
History: "The word epiphany originally referred to insight through the divine.[9] Today, this concept is used much more often and without such connotations, but a popular implication remains that the epiphany is supernatural, as the discovery seems to come suddenly from the outside.[9]"
The Process of Epiphanies: "Despite its popular image, epiphany is the result of significant work on the part of the discoverer, and is only the satisfying result of a long process.[10] The surprising and fulfilling feeling of epiphany is so surprising because one cannot predict when one's labor will bear fruit, and our subconscious can play a significant part in delivering the solution; and is fulfilling because it is a reward for a long period of effort.[4][10]"
Myth of Epiphanies: "Epiphanies can be distinguished by a (usually spiritual) vision, as epiphanies are often triggered by irrelevant incidents or objects"
Starting the new year with a holiday such as Epiphany day gives me great joy. After the past couple of months of holidays so deeply connectly with our family, history and expectations, it is a breath of fresh air to have a little day with nothing to do but listen, bake cookies and put the house back in order. Maybe, we should find a word to celebrate each month. Reminding us how precious each day is, to pause to enjoy our lives with a joyful heart and to say thank you.
As always wishing you a healthy and happy day,
Denise Frakes
Monday, January 7, 2013
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Residue Free Moments
All there is, is this moment. When I sat down this morning in my office, my to-do list and in box were overflowing. I have a tendency to become lost in my list, exhausted before the day begins. My thoughts dance over what needs to be done ASAP, what is really important, what won't go away until I do it and of course what I would love to do. So often what I would love falls to the end of my to-do list. Before I know it's bed time and my love has been put on hold once again.
In 2004, I woke up from a dream. My grandparents, at that point were all still alive and living as best as they could. My dream was one of those dreams that change your life and stay with you as if it was as real as the nose on my face. In my dream, I realized, if my grandparents could go back to one day in their lives it would probably be any day. The gift of one day where your bones don't hurt, you can once again drive, your family is growing and surrounding you. You have the freedom to choose your day. I decided to find a way to learn to love each day, not for its grandeur but for its gift of being. The dream made me understand it was not about the grand days but about the love and presence of each day. Watching the heifers in the front pasture kicking up their heels in joy. Picking an OH so ripe tomato and having the juice run down your arm. Going fishing at 5 in the morning, prying a sleepy and maybe slightly grumpy granddaughter out of bed to dig worms. Baking cookies just because you love how chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven brings smiles to everyone who enters the kitchen.
The gift is in the day, not in the list or the want or the maybe someday. The gift is in each moment. That is where our presents are. So this morning, I start not at my stack waiting so ever patiently for me to attend, but in doing something my heart desires. And this morning it is writing to you- who ever you may be.
My desire to be present and love each day is really a practice. Some days and even weeks I forget my practice, but this practice planted from the seeds of a dream keeps popping up like dandelions in the front yard. Little yellow flowers of joyful exuberance.
May your day be full of presents- one moment at a time,
Denise
In 2004, I woke up from a dream. My grandparents, at that point were all still alive and living as best as they could. My dream was one of those dreams that change your life and stay with you as if it was as real as the nose on my face. In my dream, I realized, if my grandparents could go back to one day in their lives it would probably be any day. The gift of one day where your bones don't hurt, you can once again drive, your family is growing and surrounding you. You have the freedom to choose your day. I decided to find a way to learn to love each day, not for its grandeur but for its gift of being. The dream made me understand it was not about the grand days but about the love and presence of each day. Watching the heifers in the front pasture kicking up their heels in joy. Picking an OH so ripe tomato and having the juice run down your arm. Going fishing at 5 in the morning, prying a sleepy and maybe slightly grumpy granddaughter out of bed to dig worms. Baking cookies just because you love how chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven brings smiles to everyone who enters the kitchen.
The gift is in the day, not in the list or the want or the maybe someday. The gift is in each moment. That is where our presents are. So this morning, I start not at my stack waiting so ever patiently for me to attend, but in doing something my heart desires. And this morning it is writing to you- who ever you may be.
My desire to be present and love each day is really a practice. Some days and even weeks I forget my practice, but this practice planted from the seeds of a dream keeps popping up like dandelions in the front yard. Little yellow flowers of joyful exuberance.
May your day be full of presents- one moment at a time,
Denise
Monday, July 9, 2012
Many hands make quick work
My grandma used to say "many hands make quick work". Working with friends and family not only makes us more productive but turns a job into a social event.
This weekend, I volunteered with a friend to hand out recycle bags for an apartment complex that was starting recycling this Monday. The plan was to deliver 170 bags, to 170 apartments, knocking on each door and introducing the new recycling. With one person, Sunday afternoon in 80 degree weather, this would have been a chore. But with 3 friends chatting and working together, the afternoon proved fun and it felt good to lend a hand.
My grandparents had the attitude that many hands make quick work. I remember my great grandma Biddle's joyful attitude as we would sit at the kitchen table shelling peas and visiting. One year a fellow farmer/neighbor of my grandpa Alton's hurt his back. He couldn't harvest his farm. My grandpa showed me a picture of all the neighborhood farmers and their tractors lined up ready to bring in the harvest for their injured friend. I know my grandpa and his neighbors didn't have free time or extra money. But what they did possess were big hearts and a strong sense of what is right. When my grandpa showed me those pictures later in his life, he was so proud of that "work day". Not only did their work save a neighbor and friend from loosing a whole years work but the volunteer farmers gained lifetime benefits from their generosity.
As our families get scattered around the country, those simple afternoons of shelling peas with family or helping neighbors may be getting fewer and farther between. But they are just as essential in our lives as they ever were. Maybe if our families no longer live next door, then lets create families in our communities and with our friends. Getting together not just for fun but to get our work done by making quick work with many hands while enjoying the whole process for years to come.
Just a thought for Monday.
As always, wishing you and your family a happy and healthy home,
Denise Frakes
Healthy home specialist
Owner- Blue Sky Services
This weekend, I volunteered with a friend to hand out recycle bags for an apartment complex that was starting recycling this Monday. The plan was to deliver 170 bags, to 170 apartments, knocking on each door and introducing the new recycling. With one person, Sunday afternoon in 80 degree weather, this would have been a chore. But with 3 friends chatting and working together, the afternoon proved fun and it felt good to lend a hand.
My grandparents had the attitude that many hands make quick work. I remember my great grandma Biddle's joyful attitude as we would sit at the kitchen table shelling peas and visiting. One year a fellow farmer/neighbor of my grandpa Alton's hurt his back. He couldn't harvest his farm. My grandpa showed me a picture of all the neighborhood farmers and their tractors lined up ready to bring in the harvest for their injured friend. I know my grandpa and his neighbors didn't have free time or extra money. But what they did possess were big hearts and a strong sense of what is right. When my grandpa showed me those pictures later in his life, he was so proud of that "work day". Not only did their work save a neighbor and friend from loosing a whole years work but the volunteer farmers gained lifetime benefits from their generosity.
As our families get scattered around the country, those simple afternoons of shelling peas with family or helping neighbors may be getting fewer and farther between. But they are just as essential in our lives as they ever were. Maybe if our families no longer live next door, then lets create families in our communities and with our friends. Getting together not just for fun but to get our work done by making quick work with many hands while enjoying the whole process for years to come.
Just a thought for Monday.
As always, wishing you and your family a happy and healthy home,
Denise Frakes
Healthy home specialist
Owner- Blue Sky Services
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