Finding Presence During The Holidays
Finding presence during the holiday season can be a challenge. There’s so much excitement going on that we can lose ourselves in all of it. Between shopping for a million gifts, cooking holiday meals, visiting friends and family, it’s so easy to lose a sense of the here and now.
I like to look at the holidays as a way of slowing down. It’s really the perfect time to appreciate being in the present moment with family and friends, to enjoy a yummy meal, and to share intimate conversations with people you don’t get to see often.
Instead of getting caught up in the frenzy of the holiday season, look at it as a time to practice presence, joy, and deep gratitude for what you have in your life right now.
Here are a few things that can help you find PRESENCE:
1) DO YOGA.
Practicing yoga allows you to drop into the present moment. By quieting the mind, connecting to your breath and moving through yoga poses, you start to connect to an inner wisdom and your stresses can start to melt away. It takes practice but, start by doing yoga once or twice a week. Try this quick at home yoga flow: Basic Yoga Flow
2) LIMIT SCREEN TIME.
Allow yourself to be really present with friends and family, by not checking your cell phone. During the holidays, try to leave your phone or computer someplace while you’re spending time with the people you love. By practicing being in the present moment, your mind is not distracted by other things, and in turn you can feel a great sense of joy and self. Notice how you feel without having screen time for a couple of hours.
3) RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS.
Commit to doing at least one random act of kindness during the holiday season, whether it’s volunteering at a local charity or smiling at a stranger.
4) BE GRATEFUL.
Instead of focusing on receiving gifts, be grateful for the things that you have in your life right now like a place to live, clean water, food to eat. When we appreciate what we have now, we don’t necessarily need materials things to make us feel better.