Rev. Karen Mill from Squamish United Church wrote this piece as part of an initiative to offer support to other clergy in this season of Advent. Its themes, though, apply to all of us in one way or another.

Colleagues from the Pacific Mountain Region of The United Church of Canada are writing reflections through Advent, and I'm adding voice to their writing.
This is the piece I wrote on hope.
As always, this is intended as a walking meditation -- I didn't even trip while recording it.

Do you share the affliction of coming up with great gift ideas mere hours or days after the big day? Christmas is approaching and although it is not about the gifts, gift-giving is an important love language. Gifts communicate that we care. So why not spend a few minutes walking and contemplating the gifts you intend to give?
Join Greg as he leads a few contemplative approaches to deciding what to give.

One of the interventions shown to bring the greatest flourishing into our lives is a simple practice of gratitude.
Lace up your shoes, or charge your wheelchair, and join Greg on a walk to do this gratitude practice together.

A lovingkindness meditation is a simple yet profound way to connect with others and to recognize that we share a journey toward wholeness or peace.
We start with a brief scan of ourselves and our day so far, then dive into the practice.