We all know that no matter how hard we try during the holiday season we sometimes feel burned out, or anxious whether it is from shopping and waiting in lines, finding the perfect gift, or entertaining.
There are many things that can help you get through the holiday season and not only make it one to remember but cherish forever.
Staying balanced and Centered
We hear the word balanced and centered quite a bit but what does it actually mean to you and at this special time of the year?
For me if I am feeling any of the above-I know that is because I am not balanced and centered. I am either feeling pressured to get things done a certain way, or I am taking on others opinions and “ways” things ought to be to make everyone happy. Either way-It is not a good feeling and I certainly recognize it. Because I am aware of this feeling and this “way of being” I want to change it so that I am more balanced, connected, centered and whole.
I always refer back to my magic tool box loaded with lots of tools and techniques to help me out whenever I am feeling not myself. I say magic because as soon as I shift my thinking into what I want to achieve-the magic springs forth. And a plethora of ideas come forward and my energy changes.
Here I have provided some tools you can use to help you get into the swing of things and start feeling like your old self or even in some cases your new self.
Relaxation Exercises-We often think of relaxation exercises as breathing deeply, or meditating, but what we often forget is “what does the word RELAX mean to you-Here are some things to consider besides breathing deeply, or meditating.
Play music that you love-This of course could be Christmas or even solstice music-What is the mood you are looking to create-use music to help you.
Put your boots on, bundle up and go outside. Take a walk or even a drive to see all the beautiful Christmas lights
Burn incense or diffuse oils-I am always amazed at how quickly my mood and environment changes when I use oils. I have been doing it for so long that I naturally know what I need and how it is going to effect me.
Bake or cook something in the kitchen (comfort food)-While this holiday season is all about cooking we want to make sure that we enjoy doing it-that it is not an obligation or something that we really don’t want to do. Instead of baking cookies-maybe you might want to make a healthy chex mix or instead of decorating a huge Christmas tree you decide to buy one that goes in the ground and use simple ornaments.
Create an altar in your life about the things you value most-While I recommend doing this at any time of the year-You can certainly make it work for you during the holiday season. Cards that you have kept from long ago, pictures of loved ones past or not able to make it home for the holidays, snowflakes and snowmen, real greenery and candles, a special ornament, the list is endless and it will serve as a gentle reminder of what this holiday season really means to you.
Do some guided imagery using a C.D or your own imagination. Picture how you want this season to look like, the feeling that you get, the sacredness and peacefulness. Guided imagery is a very powerful exercise. You can use it to ground yourself as well.
Ask questions to see who you are and what you really want this holiday-This is a great tool to use when you are feeling stuck or unsure about something. Sit down with a piece of paper and pen and begin to write out how you feel, then ask questions regarding this until you get an answer or inspiration that creates a shift in your thinking as well as your body. Remember the answers are inside of you-you just simply have to create the space to ask the question. And there is no such thing as a right or wrong question.
Make Art-Art is your inner spirit and soul singing and dancing, drawing and writing poetry (Have some materials on hand-by your kitchen chair, bedside or living room)-Drawing pad, crayons/colored pencils and/or markers. I remember last year I could not make enough pictures of star bursts, and angels, and creative words from my soul that reflected how I was feeling at the time. It is a kind of journaling but with the soul. Maybe you could call it soul journaling.
Pray and connect to Spirit-Don’t forget the reason for the season. Why we are celebrating Christmas. The source of the season. We can easily be pulled into the drama outside of ourselves but if we focus on our inner resources and inner source-we will be able to truly appreciate all this season has to offer.
Perhaps there is something that you remember that is very special about this season-the three wise men, the birth of Jesus, Christmas caroling, The Christmas Story, Listening to Nat King Cole and Johnny Mathis while you are stringing popcorn and cranberries for the tree outside for the birds.
Open your eyes and heart to love-No guilt, no obligations,-Generosity and Love. If you keep this as your source of spirit and illumination, you will relieve any stress that you might have experienced in the past. Release yourself to pure spirit from whatever comes in your life and let’s make this holiday transcendent.If you are looking for a stress-free holiday for yourself and others you can purchase my guided meditation CD for $10 (Holiday Special) Buy one for yourself and get another for $7 and give it as a gift. Give the gift of peace and relaxation.
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