Preparation. Anticipation.

Advent–coming, coming to; approach arrival.

Many people all over the world are preparing and anticipating the coming or advent of Christmas, a time of giving, gifting and receiving and waiting for the light of the world to come–the arrival of Christ. I want to honor this time this year mindfully, by looking to what the light coming to the world and to me means. The light of love, of peace, of being fully awake in the now. This light can come to anyone, anywhere, regardless of faith. And as we in the Northern hemisphere go deeper into the dark for a few more weeks, I want to keep remembering how important the light within and the light around in the form of family, friends, fuels my ability to love, to find peace within my anxiety and to be fully present.

I grew up with Advent calendars and Advent wreathes–practices that built up the anticipation to the big day. I loved opening up the felted creation my mom had for many years, adding the wooden ornaments to the handcrafted tree that my sister made, or opening chocolates from boxes that some friend gave me. Yesterday I saw a beautiful little calendar at one of the many amazing craft fairs throughout the Berkshires and nearly bought it. I had it in my hand. I was standing in line and then I came to this idea. I’ll make my own Advent calendar, or something like it. I will make a collage or painting or some sort of mixed-media creation everyday from December 1-25. Here are my first two days

Advent Day One

Advent Day Two

Join me on my journey. I’d like to say that I will post my image everyday, come back and take a look tomorrow or the next day or maybe in a couple of days to see what I’ve been making as I meditate on the light that is this advent season.