Waylon's thoughts on the historical day that is January 20th, 2025. 

"The fact that all of this is happening on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is both painful and telling. We have so far to go as a country..."  ~ Waylon H. Lewis

Tomorrow, it’s Trump. Today, it’s Biden. If you’re feeling shook, that’s normal: here’s what we can do and not do for others and ourselves. ~ Waylon H. Lewis

Waylon catches up with one of our favorite guests: mindful feng shui expert Anjie Cho. They discuss methods to welcome the new energy into our homes and lives for 2025 this Lunar, or Eastern New Year.

“On the second new moon after the winter solstice, millions around the world celebrate a holiday known as the Lunar New Year. This year, the momentous occasion falls on January 29th when we say goodbye to the fierce Dragon and usher in the energy of the Yin Wood Snake. The Lunar New Year symbolizes transitions, fresh, new beginnings, and reminds us that even within the coldest, darkest depths of winter, there is the promise of spring.” ~ Anjie Cho

Read Anjie’s article on Elephant Journal and find your personal, mindful aspiration to contemplate in this Year of the Yin Wood Snake based on your zodiac animal.

Find Anjie's podcast: https://www.holisticspaces.com

Waylon shares a message with our dear Elephant community about the devastating fires ravaging California right now...and what it means for us. We have to do more than think about taking action. We have to actually do it.

“I don't want to completely denigrate good feelings, or love, or caring, but it's just as meaningless as when folks offer thoughts and prayers around gun control. It doesn't change the unfolding reality that is hurting so many people.

It was popular on Instagram, TikTok, et cetera, a year or two ago to say that our [personal, eco] changes don't matter. That [environmental damage is] all about rich people—billionaires—and there's a lot of truth to that.

But at the same time, we, unlike some of these oligarchs and billionaires, hopefully care. We have to drive this change. We, en masse, are far more powerful than any one billionaire or oligarch.” ~ Waylon Lewis

Waylon welcomes the new year with a message to the Elephant community...and a little honesty for us all to take to heart.

He asks: what can you do this year to serve our planet, be kind to yourself, and care about others?

“Whatever you can do in this new year is going to be vital. And that includes taking care of yourself.” ~ Waylon Lewis

Jews have Hanukkah. Christians, Xmas. African-Americans, Kwanzaa. Buddhists? Children's Day. Waylon speaks about the Buddhist holiday of Children's Day ahead of the celebrations on December 21, 2024.

Waylon talks about the importance of embracing and appreciating the seasonality and cold weather as we push back against the effects of climate change.

“The cycle of seasons is natural and something to appreciate, not take for granted. This is just a reminder that nice weather can be snowy weather!” ~ Waylon Lewis

Read more on Elephant Journal on the topic: 

1. Folks love to say “it’s bad weather” when it’s cold, or “it’s nice out” when it’s 60 in December in Colorado. - https://elejrnl.com?p=3268075 
2. Frank. 95 years old. Shoveling 200 feet of snow, a big old smile on his face, eyes clear as day, memory sharp. - https://elejrnl.com?p=3642046 
3. For all my friends who hate Christmas and/or Winter. - https://elejrnl.com?p=1168269 

Waylon talks about living in fear, and why he's making an effort as a journalist to speak to our mindful audience about the facts as they come to light during the Trump presidential transition and beyond.

"Don't live in fear, but *do* be aware and do advocate for the world you want to live in." ~ Waylon Lewis

Shop local and small! Give nothing?! What it means to give goodness.

Read the articles mentioned in the video:

1. https://www.elephantjournal.com/2009/12/elephantjournal-coms-long-awaited-top-10-must-have-green-things-to-buy-for-christmas-list/
2. https://www.elephantjournal.com/2010/12/how-to-be-rich/ 

MAGA/Trump-voting family + Thanksgiving, what’s your approach?

Politics aren’t something we can—or should—put in a private drawer and forget about or overlook.

Read the article on Elephant Journal: https://elejrnl.com?p=4103058