"Winter Gathering" Inspires Poetry Art

Being right in the middle of December, this is an ideal time to sit back and assess how our holiday season is going.

How is your holiday season going?

I am spending some time today reflecting to discern if I am striking the right balance between deepening my spiritual connection through the season's traditions, fulfilling the excitement of gift giving, and pursuing creativity and self care, three worthy endeavors that do not always co-exist very easily. So far, I'm very happy with what I see.

For the past few weeks, I have managed to remain focused on the "reason for the season" being the birth of Christ, and all that that means. I have a personal spiritual tradition to make a gift for Jesus that gets wrapped and put under the tree to be opened on Christmas Day. Usually it's a word or drawing that describes a new attitude of the heart that I recommit to, something I know Jesus would want and enjoy.

I have completed all of my gift shopping for my three excited kiddos, and I'm so thankful to be able to give them what they really want. I realize that it's not so much about the things. Truth be told, they will likely lose interest in these trinkets before summertime. But it's the feeling of satisfaction, worth, and abundance they will feel when a desire is fulfilled that I believe will last and that will drive them to go and get what they want out of life later on.

And as for creativity? It's been a phenomenal time! I was commissioned to write and read a poem for a winter market that took place yesterday and it was a blessed addition to my holiday season on so many levels. You can watch the reply on IG @sonyakayblakegallery. It was a pleasure to write "Winter Gathering," to read it and have it so well received, and to Instagram live it and share with a wider audience. Also, it sparked a whole collection of about 15 works and a companion reflection journal, both of which I am planning to publish in January.

It's amazing the momentum that takes over when you spark the start of a creative impulse!

I'm happy to share with you the poem that sparked them all, "Winter Gathering" (below). It was written to be read aloud at 3:33 PM, the time when some believe guidance on calling and purpose is especially given. Just for fun, why not read it at that time and see if you're enlightened creatively? Please let me know what happens! Whether you accept that invitation or not, I encourage you accept this one:

Find your balance this holiday season. May you be spiritually, materially, and creatively blessed!