Dear Diana,


"Inspiration exists, but it has to find us working."

~ Pablo Picasso


Surely many of you will agree that it's hard to believe that this year is coming to an end. It's also hard to believe that it's five years since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and we're still hearing about it, albeit not as much.


It's usually at this time that many of us reflect on the year, acknowledging how it went for us and what our dreams might be for the new year. Many of us feel more stressed this time of year because of all we need to get done for the holiday season. You might want to check out my article in Psychology Today, which shares ideas on staying calm during stressful times by using mindfulness techniques. Perhaps you already incorporate these techniques in your life, but sometimes we just need to be reminded.


Wishing everyone a wonderful December and a happy entry into 2025!

DECEMBER Writing Prompts
  • Write about how you celebrate the December holidays.
  • Write about a person that reminds you of December.
  • Write about your accomplishments in 2024.
  • Write a letter to someone who has passed away and who you miss dearly.


RECENTLY PUBLISHED WORKS

"Home as Sanctuary.” (essay) RavensPerch. November 10, 2024.


“Using Mindfulness to Calm.” (article) Psychology Today. November 13, 2024.


“How Sensuality Can Heal.” (article) The Good Men Project. November 14, 2024.


“Gratitude Rituals in the Month of November.” (article) Sixty and Me. November 15,

2024.


“6 Gratitude Journaling Prompts You Probably Haven’t Tried Yet.” (article) Yoga Journal.

November 15, 2024.


“Gratitude Rituals in the Month of November.” (article) Medium. November 18,

2024.


“More Than Gratitude: A Generational Legacy from War-Era to Modern Family." (article) Best Self. November 25, 2024


“More Than Gratitude: A Generational Legacy from War-Era to Modern Family." (article) Medium. November 26, 2024


“The Literary Bubble.” (poem) Hare’s Paw Literary Journal. November 2024.


“Teas Drip.” (poem) First Literary Review-East. November 2024.


The Journey Home. (poem) Bare Hill Review. November 2024.


“The Art of Storytelling.” (article) Boomer Magazine. 2024.

UPCOMING APPEARANCES

December 8, 2024



2:00 p.m.—4:00 p.m.

Santa Barbara Public Library Local Author Book Festival

Michael Towbes Library Plaza

40 East Anapamu Street

Santa Barbara, CA


*****


December 13, 2024 


5:30 p.m.—6:30 p.m.

A Discussion:

"Hummingbird: Connecting With Your Ancestors”

Clementine Carter Wines

Tasting Room

388 Bell Street

Los Alamos, CA 93440

RSVP: diana@dianaraab.com



RECOMMENDED BOOK

Tears Become Rain by Jeanine Cogan and Marry Hillebrand (Eds.) (memoir/spirituality)


Thirty-two mindfulness practitioners around the world reflect on encountering the extraordinary teachings of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, who passed away in January 2022. The compilation explores themes of coming home to ourselves, healing from grief and loss, facing fear, and building community and belonging.


Some moments change our lives. We experience wonder and relief when we realize we can be okay, just as we are. How do we then integrate these transformative moments into our daily life? Tears Become Rain is a collection of such stories, with one common inspiration: the teachings of mindfulness and compassion offered by the most influential meditation teacher of the past century, the Buddhist monk and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh, who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Dr. Martin Luther King.


The stories encapsulate the benefits of mindfulness practice through the experiences of ordinary people from 16 countries around the world. Some of the contributors were direct students of Thich Nhat Hanh for decades and are meditation teachers in their own right, while others are relatively new on the path.

MY DAILY OM WRITING COURSES
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