This is a month of celebration, practice and giving. We are being offered endless opportunities to turn in a new direction, open our eyes, loosen our grip, open our hands. This week is Rohatsu Sesshin all over the world, where many Zen students spend a week in meditation from four or five in the morning until midnight, or more. This time is to commemorate the Enlightenment of the Buddha, which took place on the morning of December 8th. In this retreat, seven days pass as one day. And many students, sitting together, becomes one, as well - one with life, with themselves and one another.

When the great Zen teacher Dogen returned to Japan after strenuous practice in China he was asked what he brought with him? His reply was, "I've come back with nothing but empty hands." These empty hands are precious.

Hands that are filled and clenched are not useful. Clinging, and ready to fight, they cause pain to others and ourselves. However, when our hands are empty and open, they can reach out, touch another and be touched. They are flexible and of good use. Empty hands can do what they're made to do, offer themselves to the world.

The great teaching of Dogen reminds us that awakening, Enlightenment, is nothing more or less than living freely with open hands. Hands that give to whomever appears.

And, yet, this month of holidays, this time of giving, becomes stressful for many. They wonder if they''ll be happy, and what gifts they will receive? Will they be invited to the right gatherings? Or, will they be left alone?

Once we are able to live with open hands, though, these questions become irrelevant. Instead of thinking of what we''ll receive, we focus upon what we can give instead. We dwell upon who we make the holiday season beautiful for?

Physical gifts wrapped in fancy packages seldom hit the spot for long. Many times they are even used as a substitute for giving what's truly needed. Are you aware of what another really needs from you? Are you able or willing to open your hands and give it to them?

As we become simple and still and open our hands wide, the answers will become clear. And our hands will be filled with treasures to share with all. Never needed more badly than now.

Brenda Shoshanna, Ph.D. is a psychologist, speaker, workshop leader and longtime Zen practitioner. She offers talks and workshops which introduce A Different Way to satisfy our hearts and make our lives full. In this Different Way we learn how to release anxiety and sadness, transform problems into adventures and become able to live fully, appreciating all aspects of our lives. Her current workshop series, Steppingstones to Happiness presents the practice of Releasing, based both on the Sedona Method and the practice and principles of Zen. A long time practitioner of releasing, Brenda was an original student of Lester Levenson. Contact her at topspeaker@yahoo.com, www.brendashoshanna.com