The seasons of our life..

navratri-warm-greetings-onby beCause CEO Nadine Hack – We have just been at a back-to-back memorial services for two members of our family and, as we have recently learned about the imminent deaths of other family and friends, it is a moment to pause, to reflect on celebrating life and cherishing those we love, whether with us or passed over to the other side.

As we do this, it happens to be when we say Happy Navrati to all our Hindi friends celebrating Navratras and Durga Puja.  And, we say Shana Tova to all our Jewish friends celebrating Rosh Hashana.  This is just weeks after we said Eid Mubarak to all our Muslim friends celebeid-al-adha4rating Eid al-Adha.rosh-hashana

 

Every faith-based tradition has its way to affirm the sacredness of life in its many stages.  Take a deep breath, look around and hopefully you will feel gratitude.

 

{ 14 comments… add one }
  • Barbara Kimmel October 1, 2016, 3:36 pm

    This year in particular it feels like many have replaced gratitude with anger and divisiveness. Thank you for the reminder Nadine. We have much for which to be thankful.

    Reply
    • Nadine B. Hack October 1, 2016, 3:42 pm

      I hope that in our gratitude, we can be a force to overcome fear and division: our world truly needs to heal and unite.

      Reply
  • David Wilcox October 1, 2016, 4:09 pm

    The best counsel I ever received around loss and depression is to simply record what you are grateful for each day. Celebrating and cherishing always show up at the beginning of the list. Thanks Nadine.

    Reply
    • Nadine B. Hack October 1, 2016, 4:15 pm

      It’s true that gratitude is powerful medicine for grief.

      Reply
  • Peter Cook October 1, 2016, 7:41 pm

    We do indeed need to celebrate our similarities over our differences if we are to build a better world Nadine. I have not always been a fan of religious “brands” and the conflict that seems to stem from them but the principles on which they are built are timeless and almost universal to all religions, even if they are expressed differently. It’s time we recognised that for the good of all.

    Reply
    • Nadine B. Hack October 2, 2016, 9:20 am

      Peter – Huston Smith in “The World’s Great Religions” wrote about exactly that and, in related way, Joseph Campbell explored universal archetypes in the mythologies of disparate cultures.

      Reply
  • Karla Eisen October 1, 2016, 8:20 pm

    Death and especially tragic death brings with it also many spiritual gifts, Angel helpers, and offerings. It offers a time to heal even if just momentarily from those you might be estranged from. As I get ready to bury my step daughter tomorrow and have already buried my only two brothers I am thankful for the Days of Awe to be upon us with the ushering in of the Jewish new year. I can so see our Great Aunt Cina as she came to collect the Marantz and Eisen’s whose burials I attended so I know there’s some spiritual peace there somewhere afterwards.

    Reply
    • Nadine B. Hack October 2, 2016, 9:15 am

      Karla – as you bury your stepdaughter today, my heart is with you. My husband and my best friend, along with several other friends, buried their children: nothing is more painful. May these days of Awe heal your soul and I can’t think of anyone better to help with that than my Bubby Tsina/Cina!

      Reply
  • John Hesketh October 2, 2016, 11:39 am

    For me, loss of loved ones or friends brings an oppoortunity for refection and renewal. The sanctity of life and the human spirit binds us all. As in nature, death brings renewal, either of faith or ones commitment to make the most of what we have and what we share.

    We should not allow division and hatred to cloud our lives and restrict our love of life.

    Reply
  • Cortney October 3, 2016, 4:46 am

    I really love this reminder: “Take a deep breath, look around and hopefully you will feel gratitude.”

    Thank you for YOU, Nadine.

    Cortney

    Reply
    • Nadine B. Hack October 3, 2016, 8:12 am

      Cortney – It’s exactly that: a reminder; in fact, I have to remind myself regularly as it’s so easy to get swept up into other states.

      Reply
  • Stephanie Moles-Rota October 3, 2016, 11:09 am

    “Faith is confidence or trust in a person or thing that is not seen; or the observance of an obligation from loyalty; or fidelity to a person, promise, engagement;” I have faith in Love! Love keeps the memories alive, love is a celebration of life and keeps the light burning in the darkness. Thank you Nadine, I have faith in You.

    Reply
    • Nadine B. Hack October 3, 2016, 11:38 am

      Stephanie – yes, love is at the center of faith, gratitude and all else!

      Reply

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