It’s been a few days of puzzling about what I could write about for December’s blog. Then I realized I could write about that! Not writer’s block but the notion of listening to my body and what it needs right now. During the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program, I often talk about “what is needed right now”. Allowing yourself to pause, check in with your present moment experience and then respond intentionally and with full awareness.

If I note my present-moment experience, it is feeling grateful, feeling centered and also wanting to rest and nurture myself. My body is telling me that as the days shorten and the colder air prevails, I’m feeling slower, wanting to spend more time soothing myself through my five senses, and seeking comfort. I’m finding it less likely that I’ll start new projects or stoke creativity at this time. Rather, I want to deepen into what is already here, expand into and enrich what is in my life presently rather than seeking out new things.

I wonder if this is the same for you? The pull to cocoon and focus on self-restoration is high at this time of year. That counters the pressures of the holiday season, family obligations and perhaps the need to push through and make holiday events “perfect.” How can we reconcile these different needs in our lives?

This is an example of where we can practice everyday mindfulness. Being curious and non-judgmental and wholly present in my experiences more of the time has made all the difference for me in living my life fully, acknowledging the pleasant experiences, building tolerance to the unpleasant and just getting to know myself better. Mindfulness could also be called heartfulness, and if you are able to practice giving yourself kindness and acceptance, meditation and mindfulness practice can also boost your self-compassion.

Formal practice is the key to building and maintaining your mindful noticing skills. But let’s not forget the opportunities to experience mindfulness in everyday life! That’s where we actually notice what’s happening in real time and act in a more skillful manner than otherwise. And navigating the next few weeks of the holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to practice everyday mindfulness.

Here are a few invitations for you this holiday season, I hope they speak to you!
You are invited to put yourself first! If you don’t, who will?

 

  • Sometimes what is needed is rest. Even if you have a long to-do list, make a few minutes of rest or a pause an important priority. Experience it curiously and open-mindedly, letting the judgments recede into the background if they arise.

 

  • Moving your body can be a way of honoring yourself. It grounds you, plugs you into your five senses and helps you notice what your body is like these days. You may notice things that surprise you- lean into what feels good and tolerate what feels hard a few instants longer than before. What does it feel like in your body? Do you need to move, go out and take in the brisk air? Play in the snow? Take a nap? It doesn’t have to be all or nothing, you can rest with0ut feeling like you’ve lost the rest of your day. Whatever feels needed is what you do!

 

  • Play and time to just be and create can also fill your cup. Those of us fortunate enough to have fur family can drop into those built-in opportunities for play with our dogs and cats. Maybe it’s about writing like no one will ever read your words, letting yourself flow freely, and then noting what comes up. Or trying to paint or craft, something new to experience without it feeling like a chore or something you need to be perfect at. Baking or creating food in your kitchen, taking in the comforting scents of vanilla and cinnamon, is another idea. Make time for creativity and silliness this winter!

 

  • Finally, you are invited to be kind to yourself. Some days we don’t feel like we’re in flow, maybe there’s sadness or frustration. We can be so quick to “do” something about this. How about just noticing and feeling what you feel? Give yourself a hug, be a friend to your heart, let yourself feel what you feel. Notice how it shifts over time. And then, if it feels needed, consciously engage in something that shifts your mood. Maybe listening to music, moving your body, phoning someone you miss, or having a warm bath. We may have a hard time coming up with these ideas at the moment, so make yourself a “Christmas Comfort List”  when you have a quiet moment. This can be something to keep in your back pocket for the times you are experiencing the stickier harder emotions this holiday season. 

 

  • Through it all this holiday season, know that you are perfectly human!

If you’re needing some support on this journey, please do connect. I’m here for you. And as always, I send love and light to all of our followers!

xoxo,
Shreyasi