Since ancient times, the solstice has been honored and celebrated with great fanfare across all cultures and religions.  Today's solstice is particularly amazing, for not only does it officially usher in winter with a promise of retreat, renewal, solitude and the gradual opening to new possibilities, (each day from here on in gets a bit longer by 1 or 2 seconds!) today's solstice coincides with both a full moon and a total lunar eclipse which occurred in the wee hours of this morning! 

Whether you believe in the power of eclipses, the full moon or celebrate the Solstice...clearly we are experiencing an amazing moment...a trifecta that has not occured since 1638 nor will it occur again until 2094.  A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth blocks the sun's rays from the face of the moon. The moon is then fully in the shadow cast in space by the Earth. 

Beginning with a shadow cast on the shortest day of the year and culminating in a full and illuminated sky from the full moon, we are from a mystical perspective nestled in the yin/yang of our lives with a capacity to clearly see our shadow selves, illuminate our inner wisdom and shift into this season with new insights for our own personal growth and healing.

Enjoy the celebration!

Last week I spoke to a friend whose husband was diagnosed with late stage cancer.  It is at times like these that I am called to remember that each day is a precious gift...each moment is all we have.  While I have much sadness I am grateful for the reminder as well.   Kent Nerburn wrote..."None of us is promised tomorrow.  Today in all its beauty and sadness and complexity, is all we have.  This light we see maybe the last such day we have on earth.  There is no certainty, beyond the fact that one day we will have no tomorrow, and that it is not our to know when that day will be."  So I share this with you in hopes that we can all pause a moment, take stock of our lives, connect to what is truly important and live accordingly.  If this was your last day ... how would you live it?
Peace & Blessings,
LisaAnn

As you begin to plan your very special day, there are many details to consider.  Once your date and venue is selected many people begin the process of finding a wedding officiant or celebrant.  Where to begin?  There are many options in Massachusetts...you can select a JP, Minister, Celebrant or a friend.  The distinctions between these types of officiants in services, customization and fees can vary dramatically (more to come on this in another blog) so my suggestion is that come prepared with a list of key questions you wish to ask.  Feel free to download my article: findinganofficiant.doc  as a place to begin. 

After many years of working as as Wedding Officiant creating meaningful and unique wedding ceremonies, I have learned that the personal connection couples had with me, the ability to have input, to see several choices that were written specifically for them, to be able to read the final ceremony and have the right to say yes or ask for revisions, their confidence in my professionalism and my ability to manage any "unknowns" that might occur was ultimately what was important to them and allowed them to breathe easily and relax on their wedding day.

Your wedding is an important day, and your choice of an officiant is as important as the venue or photographer. Have fun selecting and officiant and start early if you are looking for a top officiant who will work to customize and create a meaningful ceremony for you.

Tonight (Dec. 1) is the beginning of Hanukkah, and as I think about the season of lights, I am also aware that it brings out the best in people.  Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Diwali, Loy Krathong, the Winter Solstice or another I have not named...this is a time for illumination, hope and extending our hearts.   

We have the unique opportunity to bring consciousness to this season.  All of us want to feel safe, loved and worthwhile. While we carry these desires with us throughout the year, somehow this season offers us more intentionality.   It becomes easier to take time to be with those we love, to extend a hand to those in need and touch into compassion, forgiveness and our longing to heal the suffering around us.  While some of us may not recognize how an act of kindness, a smile, an encouraging word can ease another...in every person there is a world...and an opportunity to offer a bit of light, hope and love. 

As we wake each morning between now and years end, let us connect to our desire to make a difference in one person's life.  It may be in the form of a simple act...opening a door, helping someone with a shopping bag, thanking the cash register person, letting those you love know how they make your life easier...your heart will be lighter and joy will flow through.  It is infectious!

I leave you with a lovely quote by William Penn

"If there is any goodness I can show, or any good I can do to any fellow human being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again." 

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!  While many of us have the good fortune to have family and a roof over our heads, there are many who are alone, suffering and in need.  While we may carry them in our hearts and prayers.  Today take an extra moment to still yourself...connect to your heart and extend a wish and prayer for all those who are alone, suffering and in need.  Our hearts intentions have a way of creating a new reality.

For me, while I will not be volunteering my time, I will be making a special donation on-line to my favorite charity as part of my Thanksgiving Day ritual.   I encourage all of you to think about making this part of your day as well.  In these days of tight resources and funding cuts even 1 dollar helps these organizations continue to serve .... and don't forget all those loving animals in shelters and needing homes too!    Have a lovely and grateful day!  Love, Peace and Blessings    LisaAnn

While some may not like the word "prayer", my personal definition has less to do with a belief in God or Spirit than it has to do with a deep connection in my heart and soul that often ends up with a feeling of superb gratitude, an earnest request on behalf of myself or another that is released into the universe...or simply that great sense of peace and love I feel each time I silence myself, connect with my breath and "pray".  So with Thanksgiving approaching, I began to think about how to celebrate, and I was reminded of a quote by Meister Eckhart:  "If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. "  I just love it! 

So a simple suggestion to for both myself and you...take time this week to connect to all that which you are grateful for.  Then offer a sincere "thank-you", whether it be for a specific act, or simply for the importance a special person has in your life.  Do this with as many people as you can!  The very act of "thanking" someone is not only a prayer, but also a blessing you bestow on someone.  As you thank and bless another, so are you blessed.  Have a lovely week my friends and thank-you for encouraging me to write and share from my heart.

Chris and Erin were married in the "Wintergarden" at Seaport’s World Trade Center in Boston.   As their Officiant, the three of us spent a great deal of time with each other, starting with an initial meeting and then an intimate day with each other as I facilitated the creation of their marriage vision.  

As we began to design the actual ceremony itself, we discussed the importance of it being a true reflection all aspects of their relationship including their vision and commitment to a lifetime partnership that was supportive, serious, adventurous, fun and laughter filled.  The final ceremony was intimate, sweet and meaningful.

On the day of the wedding I arrived at Erin's room to check in before the ceremony.  She said she needed to show me something that would make me laugh.  She pulled out these big pink sunglasses, and yes I laughed..because almost at the beginning of their vows was a line that was so reflective of  them ..."I vow to wear big sunglasses, and never take myself too seriously."

As we discussed when she was going to bring these out, I joked about doing so right before their vows and Erin loved it!  So at the appropriate time, right as I was introducing the vows I pulled these glasses out from under a table, spoke a few unrehearsed words and Chris and Erin burst out laughing, as did their loving community!  

While it might be a bit odd for some, this was ideal for them and after much laughter, the glasses were removed and Chris and Erin proceeded to exchange their vows and rings.  The ceremony concluded on a more eloquent note as the Unity Candle was lit and a final blessing offered.    Congratulations Chris and Erin!  I look forward to many years of laughter and friendship with you!   Picture courtesy of Studio Noir

Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote:  "It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself."  

We are all interconnected in profound ways... some we understand, some we do not.  When we feel compassion for another it is because we are fully present to our own heart, longings and our human suffering.  We can understand and share in another's pain and need because we have the capacity to access our own. 

So whether we are sincerely extending our hand, ears and/or hearts to a friend, lover or stranger; in the simplest of acts; caring a grocery bag or opening a door for someone, volunteering time at a food bank or hospital, running an errand for a sick friend...each moment we serve another we are nurturing our own hearts and minds as we heal ourselves and a small piece of the world. 

As a life celebrant who officiates at weddings, baby blessings, memorials and many other life events throughout Boston and Massachusetts, I am often asked for recommendations regarding a gathering place.  Mostly, the people who I work with are looking for a location that is easy to find, has warmth and a bit of character, can handle small groups of 4 up to larger groups up to 150 people and has a staff that's attentive.  Look no further:
The Sherborn Inn, located on Rt. 27 in Sherborn, (near Natick Center), is all you can hope for and more!

I love this location so much I will be participating at their first annual Bridal Show on Sunday November 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Come see for yourself and stop bye and say hello!

I am always looking for wise words and quotes to remind me of the importance of counting our blessings and living mindfully in the moment.  So it was perfect timing for me to come across a quote by the late Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross:

 "There are dreams of love, life and adventure in all of us.  But we are also sadly filled with reasons why we shouldn’t try.  These reasons seem to protect us, but in truth they imprison us.  They hold life at a distance.  Life will be over sooner than we think.  If we have bikes to ride and people to love, now is the time. "  

Remembering to seize the moment by showing appreciation to someone you love; spending a quite intimate moment with your life partner; taking a walk or bike ride; cooking a scrumptious meal for yourself and/or your family and friends; or whatever brings a smile to your face, helps us to enhance our daily lives by living from our hearts and experiencing the beauty and grace of the moment.  So take a copy of this quote... put it on your computer screen, bring it to work, share it with a friend, or post it on the door you leave your home by...and remind yourself that you can choose to live for today by seizing the moment...Enjoy!