How to flow through the upcoming holidays with ease, grace, and a smile.
The bright, festive leaves of fall are beginning to return to the earth, setting the stage for winter and many holiday festivities. The stark beauty and stillness found in our natural surroundings lie in sharp contrast to the sped up lifestyles we can find ourselves leading during this time of the year.
While gathering with friends, family and loved ones is a wonderful way to share in the heart-centered traditions of year’s past, it can also lead to some feelings of overwhelm. There are ways in which we can make the upcoming holidays, and inevitable full schedules, easier on ourselves so we can flow through with ease, grace, and smiles on our faces:
Presence | It is so important to stay in the moment, which is where our true power resides. Getting caught up in what needs to be done in the future, or head tripping on the past diminishes our ability to utilize the now.
Body awareness | In the hustle and bustle of festive activities even the most conscientious of us can lose touch with the vessel carrying us through it all. Remembering to stop and check in with your body is very important, and will allow you to stay centered and nourished during the busy times. Breathe. Allow your breath to carry you inward, expanding and revitalizing you. What needs does your body have? Are you eating right, and drinking enough water? Pure, clean drinking water combats dehydration, which is the main reason for a great deal of fatigue, headaches, and even muscle spasms and back pain.
Attitude of ease | It’s okay to let things be easy. I know this can seem contradictory to what we were told, so I think it bears repeating. It’s all right to let things be easy and flowing. While life requires that we put in hard work, that doesn’t mean that life is supposed to be a constant challenge. Reframing our inner attitudes and expectations has a profound influence on our everyday lives. Decide to let it be simple, and fun, so you can gracefully flow from one activity to the next, bringing your best (unhurried) self forward.
Release expectations | It’s natural to want things to be perfect, but there really is no such thing as ‘perfection.’ Be gentle with yourself and cut yourself some slack. Set limits, simplify, and be willing to say ‘no’ when it’s appropriate. It’ll be better to arrive a glowing version of yourself than a frazzled one; you’ll all have more fun!
Stillness | I am a strong proponent of the nap. Even lying down for 10-15 minutes can reset the body, and assist you in moving from one task to the next far more efficiently. Unplug and give yourself a moment of calm centering.
Nature | When we spend too much time indoors under synthetic lighting, we can get out of sync with natural rhythms. Bundle up and step outdoors. Mother Earth’s energy is drawing down and inward for regeneration to ensure a plentiful springtime. Breathe in the beauty of nature’s stillness.
Gratitude | Place your attention on that which is going right, and count those beautiful blessings. Gratitude alters perception and makes it impossible to stay in lower vibrational energies like stress, worry and frustration. Let the simple practice of peaceful, surrendered, loving gratitude change the moment, and your life.
Pamper | What nourishes your body, mind and soul? Light candles and put on some soothing music. Take a bubble bath and sooth your whole being. Get a massage, or other favorite bodywork. Take a rejuvenating yoga class. Travel inward with meditation and have a conversation with your heart. Gift yourself with comforting activities which will assist you in being the best you, so you can enjoy the delicious gifts brought forth during this wonderful time of the year.
Wishing you a beautiful Holiday Season!
By Antonia Hall | Antonia blogs for Ode about her journey of self-discovery and love for life, and welcomes readers to join in the fun.
Antonia, this is so marvelously timely! It’s so true. Unless we find a way to stay in the moment and do what is required of us in that moment we truly can lose our center (and it goes downhill from there!)
I especially like the idea of allowing ourselves to simply REST. Even five or ten minutes can make a big difference! Lovely advice for us as we press forward into the creation of another holiday!