We can contribute to peace in our homes this holiday season by embracing what is different about others with compassion instead of judgement. Help spread the energy of peace and goodwill, maybe starting with your odd Aunt Tillie who wears those big hats, or your cousin Joey who is obsessed with the concept of time travel. Ask Tillie what she loves about her hats, talk to Joey about his theories and listen to them with an open mind and heart. Cultivate understanding of what is different from what you know and think rather than judge or ridicule it. Albert Einstein was expelled from school for being too different, and his contributions to scientific knowledge were immense. What might we miss out on by rejecting people and thoughts who are just different from our experiences?
As a therapist, I both learned and taught the importance of small steps in order to effect great changes. While it may not seem like small acts of compassion in our homes and neighborhoods can bring peace to warring countries, remember that your behavior can have an impact on everyone around you even if you don’t notice it. A client came see me after 10 years to tell me that this one thing I said changed her entire life for the better and that she was now helping other people in their recovery. I was glad to know something I said had such benefit, even if I didn’t remember saying it. So spread some loving kindness this holiday season, and just trust that it reverberates on out into the world in ways you may not see.