For many, the holiday season is a time of extremes …
On the one hand, we may delight in special gatherings, festive foods, uplifting movies, and happy children; on the other, we may also find ourselves hurrying and worrying along the way – dreading certain encounters, stressing about gift choices and finances, sighing at all the wrapping, cooking, and other to-do’s, concerned about feeling “trapped” in old environments and patterns, and anguishing over extra calories and pounds.
Sound familiar?
Everyone I know has experienced at least one of the above less-than-delightful scenarios. It’s called being human.
Here are three very simple self-care practices – for the holiday season, or any time when you desire to feel safe, strong, clear, uplifted, and aligned with your own True Nature.
1. Remember that you are not defined by your circumstances. It is your RESPONSE to circumstances that defines you. To that end, when you feel challenged by a holiday “situation” remember to do this:
BREATHE DEEPLY and PRESS PAUSE.
Interrupt the old, habitual reaction (anger, resentment, overwhelm, frustration, sadness, humiliation, etc.) that a previous version of you might have caved in to. Deep breaths instantly reroute your brain activity to the prefrontal cortex where your ability to trigger and sustain CALM resides. A calm mind is a consciously creative mind. Instead of creating by default (e.g., an argument, a fit of crying, thoughts of futility and self-loathing, to name a few seasonal “default” creations), you can CHOOSE TO CREATE BY DESIGN. That means you get to decide your desired outcome in the situation, and you get to take action for it!
2. That leads to the second self-care practice:
COME FROM A VISION!
Here is a short-term Vision technique you can work with during the holidays and early days of 2019. If you find yourself feeling out of sorts in your current situation, after pressing pause, simply ask yourself this: What would you LOVE to be feeling? In that moment, decide on an experience you desire to call in. Once you are clear, ask yourself: What action step could you take, right now, that would move you in the direction of your desired outcome? It all sounds so very basic, I know!
The challenge is to remember to take those breaths, interrupt the reaction, and RESPOND by bringing awareness to your power of VISION and DECISION in the moment. Most people get so caught up in the triggered drama that they forget to interrupt the pattern. NOT YOU when you practice these techniques.
3. GO BIG with your Vision over the holidays!
I can’t emphasize the value of this one enough. Unplug from the “dazzle” and find a quiet few moments just for you.
DARE TO IMAGINE what you would love in the areas of HEALTH, RELATIONSHIPS, CAREER, and TIME & MONEY FREEDOM.
Write your goals and desires clearly, and imagine them realized on the screen of your mind. Imagine them DONE and emotionalize how that feels. The more you focus on your Vision, each day taking one baby step for it, the better you will feel and the more ground you will cover.
This is a powerful practice, and a great one for starting the New Year well.
Mark your calendar now and save the date. I want to tell you much more about #2 in my upcoming free webinar on Wednesday, January 23rd at 8:00 p.m. EST.