Taking the holidays easy

So far this Christmas season has been a mixed bag. There have been great days and not-so-great days. Sometimes I think it's all about expectations, and we should definitely lower our expectations if we don't want to get all frustrated.

What I wanted this year was some time to reflect, but I only got it after making a complete fool of myself at a conference on, of all things, lovingkindness and meditation. I had signed up for the conference months ago and paid my fee, which was a bit exorbitant, to start with, for a day-and-a-half with Sharon Salzburg. The event was a big disappointment. Like many New Age speakers, Sharon Salzburg spends a lot of the time when she's supposed to be teaching something just talking about herself. She does a lot of name-dropping: "The other day, I said to Ram Dass, I said... ." That sort of thing. I kept thinking, "For this, I paid $75?"

The worst thing about the conference was the venue, a local UU fellowship (I can't bring myself to call it a "church.") They set up the check-in tables and locked all the doors but one. Then after participants checked in at the check-in table, they had to be checked in again at the door of the meeting room. So I felt from the get-go that this event was all about money, and it really made me mad.

Anger is a natural part of Christmas. People make each other mad. If you don't believe me, try driving at the rush hour to any destination in the Triangle. People get mad in the stores. They get mad in the restaurants. There is no peace, because every one has so much to do, and everyone is rushing.

Everyone except the blessed Bea, who was photographed recently taking a break in a recliner from her work and play. She is such a great role model. I want to be just like her when I grow up. I want to put on my stripey socks and just chill out for a little while. Thank you, Bea, for shining the light of your three-year-old wisdom on your frazzled old Grammy. (And may all of us be free from suffering, just as soon as possible!)