I had my discussion and Meditation class at the Mansion this morning.

I brought a big bag filled with scarves and jewelry I got at various consignment shops in the area.

(Above, Ellen)

They were a big hit. They love to get presents.

Zinnia was sidelined with some kind of allergic reaction, so they just had me. But we had a vital opening discussion about how the holidays affect people in assisted care.

It’s a hard time for many, especially those who don’t have families nearby or who are estranged from the families they do have.

The holiday season is rough on people who have lost their families in one way or another; we had an essential and meaningful talk about loneliness and disconnection. We’re going to talk about that every week through the holidays. They want to talk about it.

Bonnie and Taryese, the activity directors, liked my idea of a Wish List Mitten Tree, a Christmas custom in many parts of the world.

Staying warm is a continuous challenge for the Mansion residents, and keeping them warm is one of the primary missions of the Army Of Good and me.

(The Mitten Tree)

We’re going to place this tree out in the hallway and hope to have enough mittens, scarves, winter caps, and hats so that every Mansion resident can pick one.

The residents often go outside to sit on the porch, take walks, go to the doctor, go on shopping trips in the van or visit family members.

Hardly any of them have mittens, scarves, and winter caps.

(Claudia)

Bonnie loved the idea – so did the residents; it brightened them up immediately.

We figured we’d need about 25-20 of each to cover the residents who need them. I’ll ask for donations if the Wish List doesn’t cover all of them that we need and purchase some myself.

(Meg)

Bonnie is putting the Wish List together tonight and tomorrow. I’ll post it as soon as I can so the caps, mittens, and scarves can get her in time for Christmas.

The Mitten Tree seems a perfect project for the Army Of Good. It should be up by the end of the week.

(Ellen’s Turkey Painting)

The Meditation Class has a wonderful feeling and spirit, and it’s a safe place with openness, emotion, honesty, and many smiles.

We meditated, of course, and had a great discussion about how long each breath and exhalation should be. Their numbers varied wildly, all the way up to a count of 10.

Each resident had her own referred number. Ellen asks how one begins meditation, and I said you just find a quiet safe space and settle in.