I heard from so many folks that this year’s Thanksgiving was the best they’ve had in a long time. The loss of power created environments of quality time, togetherness by candlelight, creative meals, and making room at the table for those with or without power. Most managed with what was available, making the best of it with little or no complaints. Overall a deeper sense of presence to the day, tuning in to one another and getting back to basics.
For my larger family gathering, there seemed to be a softer touch to the day with much less tension than might typically be found. It’s not that my family is tense or tight but, ya know... we all have our moments. Without the guiding structure of our traditional celebration, we just “went with it” and were comfortably flexbile. For that I am grateful. Although I wouldn’t categorize the recent loss of power as severe (think back to the ice storm of 2008), it did remind me that we always seem to come together best during times of crisis and need. Hmmm... how to savor the essence of that togetherness for ALL the times?
So all of this leads me to ask how we normally approach the unexpected in our daily lives. Do we become tight and resistant or are we able to generate a quality of ease and flow, to see opportunities for connection or betterment where we only saw irritation and pain before? Every day life provides many situations that are out of our control and, instead of acknowledging this, we tend to power-pack lots of energy trying to change the unchangeable, i.e. moving boulders. The real change takes place, however, with how we interact with our circumstance and the quality of attention we offer. Changing our Modus Operandi changes our experience, revealing great potential for joy and happiness.
As we move closer to Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year, take a look at how attached you are to your traditions of how the holidays (and your life) “should be”. Can you offer a sense of ease and flow, enhancing the essence of greater love and light into the holidays? What can you let go of that is no longer needed and which might actually return a more satisfying gift?
For me, this may mean having Christmas with my boys two days later so that we can all be together with no rushing or that ucky low-grade anxiety that comes from “making the rounds”. There are extended families on many sides, all highly requesting their attention and attendance. I can see the pressure this places on my boys and, while I used to add to that with my own desire to have my special traditions with them, I find our time is now better spent when we can “chillax” with one another, whatever day that happens to be available.
So this year, spend your holiday time well and, if all else fails, turn the power off in order to turn the joys of togetherness on.
With many blessings for peaceful days,
Shanti
Shanti Douglas
Mindfulness & Stress Management Coach
Shanti@8limbsHolisticHealth.com
603.228.9007
Graphic from http://www.ezybook.co.nz/pages/flowcolonics/
For my larger family gathering, there seemed to be a softer touch to the day with much less tension than might typically be found. It’s not that my family is tense or tight but, ya know... we all have our moments. Without the guiding structure of our traditional celebration, we just “went with it” and were comfortably flexbile. For that I am grateful. Although I wouldn’t categorize the recent loss of power as severe (think back to the ice storm of 2008), it did remind me that we always seem to come together best during times of crisis and need. Hmmm... how to savor the essence of that togetherness for ALL the times?
So all of this leads me to ask how we normally approach the unexpected in our daily lives. Do we become tight and resistant or are we able to generate a quality of ease and flow, to see opportunities for connection or betterment where we only saw irritation and pain before? Every day life provides many situations that are out of our control and, instead of acknowledging this, we tend to power-pack lots of energy trying to change the unchangeable, i.e. moving boulders. The real change takes place, however, with how we interact with our circumstance and the quality of attention we offer. Changing our Modus Operandi changes our experience, revealing great potential for joy and happiness.
As we move closer to Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year, take a look at how attached you are to your traditions of how the holidays (and your life) “should be”. Can you offer a sense of ease and flow, enhancing the essence of greater love and light into the holidays? What can you let go of that is no longer needed and which might actually return a more satisfying gift?
For me, this may mean having Christmas with my boys two days later so that we can all be together with no rushing or that ucky low-grade anxiety that comes from “making the rounds”. There are extended families on many sides, all highly requesting their attention and attendance. I can see the pressure this places on my boys and, while I used to add to that with my own desire to have my special traditions with them, I find our time is now better spent when we can “chillax” with one another, whatever day that happens to be available.
So this year, spend your holiday time well and, if all else fails, turn the power off in order to turn the joys of togetherness on.
With many blessings for peaceful days,
Shanti
Shanti Douglas
Mindfulness & Stress Management Coach
Shanti@8limbsHolisticHealth.com
603.228.9007
Graphic from http://www.ezybook.co.nz/pages/flowcolonics/
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