Traveling Matters

I know many of you feel this way. I had to share.

Winter Solstice at Newgrange in Co Meath, Ireland Please read: Many years ago I was fortunate not that many years after the discovering of the passage tomb at Newgrange to organize several groups to experience this National Geographic Wonder. An experience of depth and personal transformation to be inside the burial chamber. This year December 20 and 21 marks the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year for those who live in the northern half of the p...lanet. The winter solstice is also when, every year, a ray of light illuminates the Newgrange passage tomb, a 5,000-year-old tomb in County Meath, which is older than the pyramids of Giza in Egypt. At dawn on the mornings surrounding the solstice, a narrow beam of light enters the 62-foot long passage and lights the floor. It moves along the ground, from the window box until it lights the rear chamber. This Neolithic light show lasts 17 minutes. As sunlight hits the back of this Neolithic passage tomb every year it's as though our ancestors of 5,000 years ago are reaching out to us. I stayed up to see this on Irish time this year. A more modern Irish thought is that Solstice recognizes the Door of a House leaving it open on Solstice honors: Out with the OLDin with the NEW. I like this ritual. We look for to the NEW in 2021. See more

There is a kindness that dwells deep down in things; it presides everywhere, often in the places we least expect. The world can be harsh and negative, but if we... remain generous and patient, kindness inevitably reveals itself. Something deep in the human soul seems to depend on the presence of kindness; something instinctive in us expects it, and once we sense it we are able to trust and open ourselves. JOHN O'DONOHUE Excerpt from his books, Benedictus (Europe) / To Bless the Space Between Us (US) Ordering Info: https://www.johnodonohue.com/store Frosted Dawn Ivy / Co. Clare, Ireland - 2020 Photo: Ann Cahill

Thanksgiving Greeting To One and All: Peadar and I wish you a season full of gratitude and giving. A time to remind ourselves of the small miracles we sometimes forget to appreciate. We are blessed that our friends and families near and far are well. We are the lucky ones and pray for those less fortunate. A quote from Voltaire - "Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well". Gratitude is never more important as during these times when everything appears to be dislocated. Be happy and make someone else happy. May your thanksgiving be the beginning of a joyous season.

For those more adventurous should I add this cliff hanging experience on the group journey in 2021#travelingmatters.com