Tis the Season of Reflection: HOLY vs HOLLY
The definition of Holy: “Commanding absolute devotion”
I have this thing about words and their meanings, but mostly about their origins. Specifically, because so much of what we say, the words we speak, impacts the quality of our lives.
Think about this: The word “holidays” descended from the term “Holy Days”. All of the various symbols associated with every religion, including Santa, have all changed their original meanings over time as well.
We went from human beings spending a quiet, meditative, sacrificial period of gratitude and prayer, to utter madness. From HOLY to HOLLY. The difference is equivalent to comparing a Monastery — to Hollywood.
Most of us are diplomatic about our words…meaning we don’t always say what we mean, but what we think others want to hear. Sometimes, when we say what we mean, that is, when we are attempting to be “honest”, we believe we are giving “constructive” criticism in order to help someone we truly care about. We believe it’s in their “best interest”. And sometimes, it is. And sometimes, it’s not.
It’s a two-edged sword. Because most of the time, we don’t really see ourselves the way others are “perceiving” us. We may think we are behaving one way, but we are actually “coming across” another way. It’s difficult to really see ourselves. Or hear ourselves.
So, sometimes, when someone who is truly acting in our best interests, and points out things about our behavior that is causing us repetitive problems, it may be worth our while to pay attention, to take heed, and make adjustments, in order to live a more peaceful and productive existence in the world.
Other times, it really is just a matter of that person’s own experience and whether or not they truly know us and understand us. Maybe their advice, solicited or not, is not in our best interest. It’s just their opinion, based on their experience. And their advice may end up being detrimental to our own well being.
And still other times, people don’t always have one another’s best interest at heart at all. They may be coming from a selfish or competitive (envious) point of view, have hidden agenda’s, or ulterior motives, for whatever reasons.
The point is, that we, as individuals, need to get to know ourselves, what matters to us personally, what our purpose on this planet is, and how we can benefit others with that purpose.
Once we discover who we truly are, we can then discern information as it comes to us. Whether or not we can utilize it, or trust our own guts. The idea is that human beings are meant to always move forward, evolve upward. Anything that holds us back from being positive, productive, and compassionate is not moving forward.
The “Holidays” — Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hannakuh, Ramadan, Kwanzaa — are “perceived” as a period of “giving” — a set period of time when we behave as our best selves towards one another. It’s supposed to be a time of focusing on our chosen religions and their various meanings, and how to translate those meanings into our everyday life all the time.
The fact that the “holidays” has transcended into a commercial rat race, vacations, materialism, i.e. “what will I get, what will I give”…is ironic.
The “holidays” has evolved into anguish for many. It is a time of loneliness for some, a time of desperation for others, a time of overwhelming chores, like shopping and cooking and baking and cleaning and preparing our homes for visitors and family members. We become rattled. And then it’s over. And we go back to being our “regular” selves. Until next year. No reflection, no evolving.
And although many of us will incorporate church ceremonies and pagentries with this season, we will still largely be involved with HOLIDAY. A “new word ” that has nothing to do with sacrifice, or gratitude, or peace, or LOVE.
Maybe we should all change the name of our particular religions’ holiday name to what they were originally, HOLY DAYS. And make it a sacred season. What?
A season that is all about LOVE? And nothing else? What a concept, huh? Just a thought.
Stay safe and well. So that we can see you on the other side of the “holidays”. But enjoy, or rather stay IN JOY throughout the season.
See what I mean about words?