A true Yogi is someone who displays great wisdom and compassion, who hears the suffering in the world, who serves others, and who loves and gives unconditionally. This makes Santa far more than just a jolly guy in a red outfit, for he is a remarkable example of such qualities, ones we may want to emulate ourselves:
1.He encourages us to do good and be good. Now that's a big one, as many of us often act mindlessly or selfishly.
2.He gives endlessly, to everyone, all over the world, all at pretty much the same time. This indicates a truly vast and generous heart that takes great joy in giving, without any need to receive in return.
3.Yet he does not give blindly. Rather, he judges what is the most appropriate gift for each. This shows how generosity also needs wisdom to be of the most benefit.
4.He hears our requests and reads our letters. Meaning that he takes the time to listen and pay attention, which we could all do a lot more of.
5.He encourages rituals and invokes magic, such as letter writing, stocking filling, decorations, milk and cookies. Ritual is an essential part of honoring something that is greater than us, while magic is the beauty of the unknown.
6.He has great psychic powers: he flies in the sky with reindeer, descends chimneys without getting covered in soot, goes by many different names, and is extraordinarily elusive. Has anyone actually ever seen him?
7.He knows where we live. In other words, he lives inside every one of us.
8.Most importantly, he lifts our spirits at the darkest time, bringing laughter and joy, which is undoubtedly the greatest gift of all. He hurts no one and heals many hearts.
Through caring and giving, a la Santa, we move from selfishness to selflessness, from self-centeredness to other-centeredness. True generosity is giving without any thought of getting or receiving, it is unconditional and unattached. Through giving and sharing in this way, we don't lose anything. Rather, we gain so much.
Is there a Santa in your heart?
****
Ed & Deb are the authors of many books. Deb is the author of award-winning Your Body Speaks Your Mind, now in 21 languages. They have three meditation CDs. See more at EdandDebShapiro.com
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.