Happy Holy-days!

Be in-joy no matter what your tradition because what you feel affects the functioning of your body!

You have probably heard the myriad of comments about stores insisting on calling Christmas trees "holiday" trees and talking about holiday shopping rather than Christmas shopping. There is much anger going through the airways and in letters to the editor about this topic.

I wanted to share with you my thoughts. Before I do, would you mind sending me a quick e-mail and letting me know whether you celebrate Christmas according to the Christian tradition, have a Christmas tree, are Jewish or some other tradition. What does all the discussion about "holidays" mean to you. I’ll let you know the results in my next newsletter in January. Just click on the following link and let me know: Cathy@OdysseyToWholeness.com.

I know that I have on this list people of various religious and spiritual persuasions. I’m sure you all have thoughts on the above matter even if you choose not to share them.

Here are my thoughts...My spiritual life is a very private matter with me which I share publicly in many ways simply because of my business. I am disturbed about the anger over the issue of what to call the "trees" or the shopping season because, no matter what tradition you hold, this time of year is about openness and acceptance.

I have some very dear Jewish friends, including one sister-in-law, some dear friends that celebrate the winter solstice, and many dear Christian friends. I have other dear friends that don’t particularly identify themselves with any tradition, but they derive great enjoyment from decorating for Christmas. All of them "get into" the mood and joy that is inherent this time of year. The anger about what to call this time of year, whether it be about trees or shopping, is contrary to what this time of year is all about.

My suggestion, use the terminology you are comfortable with AND be in a state of gratitude and joy that you can celebrate in the way that is most meaningful to you. Above all, hold all people in your heart sending them many blessings.

How does all this affect your body?

Both anger and joy have biochemical affects upon the body. Anger decreases or shuts down many of the functions in your body. Blood pressure can go up, digestion decreases, breathing is more shallow. Your immune system weakens. People gravitate away from you.

Joy has the exact opposite effect. Joy brings your body into balance. Your immune system strengthens. The mechanics of your body flow better. Your mood is definitely more fun for yourself and others. People gravitate towards you.

You can make these holy days truly ones of joy by adding your joy. The stores are going to do what they think they need to increase sales. To believe otherwise is naive. What goes on in your hearts is what says who you are and what you believe. Make this the season you want it to be. My blessings to you during this time of holy-days!

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A GIFT FOR YOU

I’ve shared before about my enjoyment of The Spiritual Cinema Circle. This past month there was a wonderful movie called "Delivering Milo." Imagine whether or not you’d avoid getting born if you were afraid of what life was going to bring. That is the premise of this movie and it is delightful and fun.

You have a chance to try out the Spiritual Cinema Circle with only a postage payment. Below is the suggestion of marketing copy that I’m just forwarding on to you.

I’ve been a member since it started and I’ve really enjoyed it.

Subject line: A free month of movies & a chance to WIN...

Dear (name)

You've probably heard about the Spiritual Cinema Circle by now, the one of a kind DVD-of-the-Month Club devoted to soulful, transformational films.

This month, the Circle is offering a very special opportunity:

Join The Spiritual Cinema Circle in December and
YOUR FIRST MONTH OF MOVIES IS FREE
(all you pay is S&H)

Start your FREE TRIAL now at: http://www.SpiritualCinemaCircle.com/SpecialOffer/?af=2365

PLUS, if you join now, you'll be entered in the Golden Circle Contest for a chance to win an all-expense paid pass aboard the 2nd annual Spiritual Cinema Festival-at-Sea sailing to the Mexican Rivera April 22-29. Do you remember the golden tickets hidden in the candy bars in Charlie and The Chocolate Factory? Well, this contest works in a similar way. Of the thousands of DVDs the Circle will send to it's members out during the months of December and January, ONE SPECIAL DVD ONLY will contain the winning GOLDEN CIRCLE: an animation of a gold circle with -a special message telling you that you've won an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2006 Spiritual Cinema Festival-at-Sea, onboard a Holland America cruise ship sailing the Mexican Riviera!

Start your FREE TRIAL now at: http://www.SpiritualCinemaCircle.com/SpecialOffer/?af=2365

Good luck!

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My blessings to each one of you.

Cathy Chapman, Ph.D., LCSW

7800 Amelia Rd., STE 10

Houston, TX 77055

713-681-2400