The Gift of Time

Hello friends,

I hope you all had a lovely November filled with the essence of fall. The cooler temperatures, the leaves changing from green to gold, the opportunity for good food and perhaps even a few meet ups with family and friends. December may bring the same plus more.

Sometimes, this time of year is like being in the middle of a race. We are half way there and need to pace ourselves or we will run out of energy. Maybe you are the energizer bunny and have no idea what I am talking about but for many of us, this is when we need our practice more than ever.

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Taking time to settle in to our body is such a gift. Even if it’s just a few breaths. It may help us notice how we are feeling, both the mind and the body. From this place, we may calm a busy mind or shift from ruminative thoughts. Perhaps a big stretch or rolling the shoulders would feel good. We can even take time to look around at all the amazing sights around us. This may help us shift from holiday fatigue towards gratitude for the next opportunity for holiday cheer.

Those moments of connection to what is real and true; feeling the body, noticing the beauty around us and of course the breath may help us to feel steady and even joyful.

Other times, we just need time to be. Maybe during this month, we schedule some down time to rest and feel all the feels. Mark it on your calendar. Perhaps schedule a couple of  “Do what you want to do” sessions. Take a class, nap, sing, go for a walk in the park, watch a favorite holiday show. Is it too early to watch “Love Actually,” “Sound of Music,” or “It’s a Wonderful Life”?

As we move in to December, may we find a steady pace even when the world is rushing. If we do have to rush, let’s be purposeful. Can we mindfully rush? Yes. We can set an intention towards “getting to” instead of “having to”. How about some music or a fun podcast to lift our spirits while we take care of our tasks. Perhaps we even bring a smile to our faces and kindness in our hearts as we move through the world. 

When we have the capacity, let’s spread some good will and be the delight in someone’s day and when we don’t, let’s be sweet to ourselves and take care of our hearts and just be.

Wishing you all a joyful holiday season.

Love and peace,
Chrissy