Season of Giving

I’ve been reading a book by Robin Wall Kimmerer called “The Serviceberry” that echoes something I wrote about before Thanksgiving in my blog titled “Gratitude”. I’ve been thinking of this in light of this time of year that we often call the season of giving. I suggested in my blog that if we understood that “gifts and payments we make to each other are gestures of kindness and respect that we pass back and forth then “we might have a better understanding of this life”. She takes this further into an understanding that receiving a physical item from others out of abundance or kindness creates a relationship that is stronger and more beneficial to each other than purchasing the same item - especially if we then share it with others out of abundance or re-gift it when we are done with it. She says that we see things received as a gift in a different way than how we see a purchased thing. We also take better care of it.  When we see items as gifts then they are no longer objects or property - commodities in a market economy, they have meaning and real value. Ultimately she sees everything as a gift from the abundance of the earth, and so she sees a big web of reciprocity that we create to make better societies and a better world. One of her examples was of a hunter from the Brazilian rainforest who brought home a big kill. When asked where he would store the meat, he said he would invite his family and friends to a feast and thus “store the meat in the belly of his brother.” He knew that person would reciprocate when there was abundance and a chance to give in return. There wouldn’t be money exchanged, but instead gratitude and connection. I like that! I would tie to that another concept I’ve written about. I think that giving is a well that we can tap. When tapped, this well flows and increases as long as we continue to give. I’ve sure found this in my life. So I hope you are able to give and to receive the joy and connection that comes from giving at this time of year.

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What have I been up to?

I had 7 senior facilities last week, and all of them were so enjoyable as we started doing all the great Christmas songs. I love interacting with these folks.

My Wednesday online show was playing less-known Christmas songs, and there were some great ones. I think the audience really connected with these gems.

Friday night I played the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View restaurant, and I had so many very nice people including a little girl who was celebrating her 8th birthday. I even had some very good friends come out to dinner and to listen. Thanks! It was a good night.

My Sunday show was requests and favorites, and there was a good mix of Christmas songs and other favorites. I had a good number of folks, and they really got into the spirit.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to all of them. This season is just chock-full of love and giving, and it’s an honor to be part of spreading it to everyone.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be fun Christmas songs, and there are so many. This will be a blast, and I’m really looking forward to a super night. Come on out!

Friday night I’m playing for a group at the Broadmoor that I have played for many, many times. It’s the Council of State Governments West graduation of the their training that they put on in Colorado Springs every year. It’s always a great night of stellar people and great food and sights. I’m so happy to get to play it each year.

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I know we’ll be in the Christmas spirit. Come on out and enjoy it!

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That’s it for this week. Looking ahead I will be doing an online show on Christmas Day in the evening as I always do on Wednesdays that should be very special. Also I’ll do a New Year’s Eve online show to ring in the new year as I usually do if you’re looking for something fun to do and don’t want to go out on New Year’s Eve.

I hope you’re healthy and happy and enjoying the holiday season.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of fun Christmas songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, December 11, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, December 15, 7-8:45 pm mountain time