I sat down this afternoon to write a quick blog on holiday stress and looked at some of my prior blogs for inspiration (is it plagiarism if it is your own prior work?) However, I then thought about a conversation I had with my friend Phyllis today while making my holiday wreaths. As an aside, this wreath making event is truly a Tom Sawyer Huck Finn situation. I, like Tom, innocently ask Phyllis how something looks, and she jumps in to “help” me make my wreath. Today, Phyllis asked me if I was all decorated inside my house. I told her that it was coming along but I had more to do; I told her I did not plan, however, to rush home and do it today. I realized that this was the first Sunday that I can remember during the holiday season that I was not anxiously worrying about getting a list done. Traditionally, I would have had a running list in my head that, once completed, would allow me to be “present” and enjoy the season. Not a winning strategy (the list was never done) and certainly not the real reason for the season. I laughingly acknowledged that this more relaxed approach is a result of being recently retired from my day job. On the other hand, my OCD like personality has been in place since birth. Two friends I lived with after college in our twenties, both separately remind me about my making their beds and incessant organizing of our apartments back in the day.
As a result of my yoga practice, family and friends’ patience and other tools, I have learned to be more present. Today, as we clipped and chatted, I noticed the smell of the pines and greens, the coziness of the wood stove, and felt myself so immersed in our project, truly enjoying the activity, not the outcome. I also took a moment to express silent gratitude for the experience. While I was foraging for greens yesterday, I saw a cardinal, stark and beautiful against the tree branches, and felt so happy. When I got home, instead of stomping around, sighing loudly and organizing them, I stepped over the piles of Christmas lights in the front hallway that Pete was “organizing”. Progress is being made.🤣😅
As we move headfirst into the holiday season, let’s consciously embrace the present, the experience and the meaning of the season, whatever that may be for each of us. The expressions of gratitude that we have been discussing since last week, go hand in hand with being present. Stop and savor the moment, the smell of something cooking, the sounds of the waves or wind in the trees. Let your eyes gaze out over the action in your bird feeders, give your pet (or child) a snuggle, be in the moment and let that joy settle over you. Spend time sipping your tea gazing at your tree, your menorah, your candles…. whatever holiday traditions that you recognize. Take the time to be in them rather than ticking them off the list. Better yet, take a few off the list and give yourself the present of being present.
Our Practice – Our Practice!!!
As the season gets busy, we may be tempted to skimp on self-care, skip exercise, eat on the run, shortchange ourselves on meditation or quiet time. Let’s try to fit in our yoga practice – even a short one. Taking a brisk outdoor walk bundled up – even 20 minutes, is so beneficial supporting our mind, body, and breath. Don’t worry about fitting in full classes, there are lots of ways to fit in short practices that will promote wellbeing.
Our breath practice helps us bring flow of oxygen to the brain, slowing our heart rate and activating our parasympathetic nerve system. The asanas help strengthen and loosen our muscles and meditation helps us manage stress and negativity. The trifecta of selfcare!
Instead of focusing on a specific pose, I suggest this season we find ways to fit a practice in whether it be self-led or with an instructor. All our classes are Zoom-able – when you sign up the Zoom link will be automatically sent whether you are in person or on Zoom. If that does not work for you, remember I have several short practices on the Rockbriar Farm YouTube channel. Link to that is here:
Meditation – Holiday Season
On being present and focused on the reason for the season.
” It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” – Mother Theresa
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart” – Helen Keller
“I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way (s)he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.” - Maya Angelou.
Nurturing with Food – Hot and Sour Soup (Vegetarian)
I love hot and sour soup. When I lived in NY, I met a woman with roots in North Africa who swore by the healing properties of vinegar. She swore by bathing in hot water infused with vinegar when she had a cold or flu along with the healing properties of soup made with vinegar. Hot and sour soup was one of her favorites. Since then, it has been my go-to when I have a cold. In the spirit of self-care during the season, I am suggesting this recipe, developed by my husband, Peter. No need to wait for a cold to come along, it is delicious.
See you on the mat!
Namaste,
Julia Anne
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