I love this season of lights. As we open our hearts to one another, there's a deeper sense of appreciation for the little things. Spending quality time together, giving from the heart versus the wallet, purposeful community, and focusing on peace. The highlighted sense of gratitude this time of year brings is quite wonderful, especially as the days are colder and darker and we venture inward.
Extending the season of love and joy to last all year long is a habit we can begin right now while the act of giving and loving is fresh and vibrant. To start things off, I came up with a few simple things you can try on. Get your kids involved as well, paying forward the season of lights and love to many generations.
Make a Gratitude Jar. Every day slip in a little note of something that you are grateful for in a big jar. At the end of the year, read and reflect how you highlighted the time. You can also pull some out throughout the year if you are having a tough day.
Express appreciation for one another. As the family is gathered at the dinner table, have everyone offer an appreciation for each person - some small thing that they admire or notice in genuine goodness. We do this at Thanksgiving but who says every day can't be filled with thanks and giving?
Acknowledge your inconspicuous supports. How often do we say thank you to the postal worker, garbage collector, or police officer? These folks hold pretty important jobs that would have a negative impact if they stopped. Acknowledge their dedication and persistence with a hearty "Thank you!".
Write little notes of appreciation. Not an email or a text - an actual hand-written note. Secretly drop it off on your colleague's desk or your kid's pillow and watch them light up and smile. How did they make your day easier or what little thing did you notice they did well? Appreciation for the little things goes a long way in deepening relationships and fostering community.
Volunteer and give back one hour per week to a homeless shelter, nursing home, animal shelter, community foundation, or neighbor. Find some way to create connection, selflessly lifting the spirits of those who are in need right now even if it's just sharing a meal, walking a sick person's dog, or driving an elderly person around town to do errands.
Invite an elderly neighbor to dinner. Living alone and away from family can be tough. Make a regular practice of checking in with your elderly neighbors. You'll be amazed at how fun and educational dinnertime history lessons can be.
This holiday season, enjoy who you are with, love what you do, and create droplets of peace wherever you go.
Peace,
Shanti
Shanti Douglas
Mindfulness & Stress Management Coach
Eden Energy Medicine Certified Practitioner
8 limbs Holistic Health, LLC
Extending the season of love and joy to last all year long is a habit we can begin right now while the act of giving and loving is fresh and vibrant. To start things off, I came up with a few simple things you can try on. Get your kids involved as well, paying forward the season of lights and love to many generations.
Make a Gratitude Jar. Every day slip in a little note of something that you are grateful for in a big jar. At the end of the year, read and reflect how you highlighted the time. You can also pull some out throughout the year if you are having a tough day.
Express appreciation for one another. As the family is gathered at the dinner table, have everyone offer an appreciation for each person - some small thing that they admire or notice in genuine goodness. We do this at Thanksgiving but who says every day can't be filled with thanks and giving?
Acknowledge your inconspicuous supports. How often do we say thank you to the postal worker, garbage collector, or police officer? These folks hold pretty important jobs that would have a negative impact if they stopped. Acknowledge their dedication and persistence with a hearty "Thank you!".
Write little notes of appreciation. Not an email or a text - an actual hand-written note. Secretly drop it off on your colleague's desk or your kid's pillow and watch them light up and smile. How did they make your day easier or what little thing did you notice they did well? Appreciation for the little things goes a long way in deepening relationships and fostering community.
Volunteer and give back one hour per week to a homeless shelter, nursing home, animal shelter, community foundation, or neighbor. Find some way to create connection, selflessly lifting the spirits of those who are in need right now even if it's just sharing a meal, walking a sick person's dog, or driving an elderly person around town to do errands.
Invite an elderly neighbor to dinner. Living alone and away from family can be tough. Make a regular practice of checking in with your elderly neighbors. You'll be amazed at how fun and educational dinnertime history lessons can be.
This holiday season, enjoy who you are with, love what you do, and create droplets of peace wherever you go.
Peace,
Shanti
Shanti Douglas
Mindfulness & Stress Management Coach
Eden Energy Medicine Certified Practitioner
8 limbs Holistic Health, LLC
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