“The Era of Manifestations” was a period from 1837 to the mid-1850s when Shakers came under a spiritual revival marked by visions and ecstatic experiences among the followers.
At this time of year when we focus on gifts, visiting, punch bowls and groaning boards, let it be resolved that we remember the humanity of our neighbors – even the humanity of those who disagree with us on issues we hold dear.
Is there a way to remain healthy through the holidays and still enjoy our favorite foods without guilt, letting them nourish us emotionally and connect us with our roots?
Check with your town, but most paper and tissue gift wrappings, as well as cards, are recyclable as long as they don’t contain foil, metallic inks or glitter. And all those cardboard shipping boxes could make a great first layer of sheet mulching next spring.
The most important thing to remember is that just because you allowed yourself a treat (or two or three) today does not mean you have blown it for the season. Make sure you get lots of sleep. Make time for exercise. Walk a little farther, make a point of getting to the gym or pool.
Advent window by Advent window, Dog News Network correspondents Lulu and Hershey are celebrating the spirit of peace and good will during the holiday season -- or trying to. Given circumstances, it's not easy.
I hope that this holiday season and throughout the year, we remember that giving can begin with how emotionally generous we are to ourselves. If we each take a deep breath and remember this, everyone else in our lives will feel the beautiful effects of that most important generosity.
I just can’t stop thinking of all the good which might be done with simply the eight million dollars this country spends each day for airstrikes against the Islamic State in a “war” which will never be “won” despite all the bombs and the billions of dollars we drop into that black hole.
