Tag Archives: Christmas

Caring for our military personnel with meditation and gratitude

I can honestly say I have no clue what it would be like to serve in the military. My dad and his buddies served in WWII, but beyond that I don’t have much personal knowledge.

I do have one good friend whose husband has been in the military. I know that he has been to Iraq once and Afghanistan a few times. I know that she went through pregnancy mostly alone and was relieved when he made it home a week before the baby was born. I know that they have moved back and from her home in Colorado to an army base, and back.

I also know that the likelihood of him suffering from PTSD or other injuries is pretty high.

That’s why I was inspired when I read about former Army Captain and PTSD sufferer herself, and her experience with meditation. When traditional medicine and prescriptions did not help her, mindfulness did. She has worked to expand its use in the military. After pilot program successes, one such program is being expanded to more marines.

I hope this training is offered to my friend’s husband. I hope this kind of peace can be in his heart at all times, as well as for the many more like him.

On a deeper level, it is our insecurities that lead us as a world to choose war, rather than co-create some more innovative solution. I believe meditation is the best tool in moving us toward this.

At this time of year, many of us are separated from loved ones. But those in the military definitely bear a heavier share than most of us.

Politics aside, how can one thank those who serve? I saw a beautiful video that suggests a simple gesture to say Thank You. The video shows how to use it in an airport. Very simple, very clear. The video is worth watching, but even if you don’t, the gesture is simply palm to heart, then, move palm downward.

Remembering that we are all one, if we, as in our government, send one young man or woman to service, it is by all of us, for all of us, and …all of us. Thank you to each of you and your families.

Really …you can’t celebrate Xmas or New Year’s!

Teacher friends planned a Christmas part in their apartment, which has only foreigner residents. They posted a sign in the lobby saying “Christmas Party” with the time, date and apartment number. 

Somehow the Mutawa (Religious Police) got word of it and objected. They came to the apartment building, removed the sign, and came to the apartment listed. They told the teachers they could not have the party, and that the Mutawa would be back at the date and time mentioned to ensure it.

Sound far-fetched? No, and it’s not only Christmas that is un-Islamic, and thus banned. According to an article on the bikyamasr website, a foreigner was just arrested on the street for celebrating the New Year’s Eve with balloons. 

Saudi Arabia arrests foreigner for celebrating New Year’s with balloons

So, when I was in line in the grocery store the day after Christmas, and a nice guy in full Saudi dress first helped me unload my cart, then wished me, “Merry Christmas!” …I said, “Thank you” but wondered

…is this a trick question?

What are you doing for Christmas?

Working! In Saudi, Christmas is a Sunday and it’s a Christian holiday.

Our working week starts Saturday at 7 am. We work daily Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed from 7 am until 315 pm. So, our ‘weekend’ is Thursday and Friday.

And since there is one religion and that is Islam, no Christmas holiday is observed.

Ah, this reminds me of my Korean friends that missed Chuseok when they visited the US. And how must it feel to be in the US, and be Muslim, Chinese or a host of others who might feel disrespected because in our way, we dismiss their holidays and celebrate ours.

Saudi holidays