Mindfulness for the Holidays!

'Tis the season...We are quickly approaching the holidays, Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, the Winter Soltice.  It is a very magical time of year for us as we gather to celebrate, feast, share gifts and memories. Activities of preparation such as shopping, decorating, baking, cooking and traveling can be time so consuming and a distraction from our own true purpose. Determination keeps driving us onward, ignoring aches, pains, fatigue. Weather can be cold and yucky, so bundled up we go about our 'duties.'  Too many people get sick, have travel woes and finally lose patience!  Is this what we call 'Holiday Spirit?'  Why do we do this?? Certainly doesn't sound very relaxing or joyful! 

Our bodies reflect directly what is happening in the mind.  Fatigue means too much going on mentally and physically, so rest.  Get more sleep each night, and nourish the body with breakfast, lunch and dinner! Headaches mean so much stress there is sensory overload and the nervous system is urging withdrawal to a quiet, calm place with a cup of hot tea.  Aches and Pains mean the body is struggling and so stubborn, causing a fight of sorts between the mind (determined) and body (exhausted). Listen to the aches and sit down a bit...think about how the situation could be handled better.

The list of things to do can become easier and more fun if we can avoid the crash point!  So how do we do that?

Find some alone time 

It doesn't need to be for very long - even 15-20 minutes is enough.  Take some time in solitude to reflect and renew.  Close your eyes and be mindfully aware of yourself in the moment.

HUM!

Humming boosts the natural Nitric Oxide (NO) levels in our sinuses and nasal passages that is then absorbed into our bodies and calms us, lowering blood pressure and enhancing serotonin production. 

Keep your lips closed, air and sound flowing through the sinuses.  We can hum any melody, anywhere, while we are doing just about anything. Hmmmmm..... 
Practice Gratitude
Be grateful for all that you are, all that you have and all who love you. Be grateful for all of your experiences in life and everything on this Earth and in this Universe.
Enjoy the Feast
Taste everything you love to eat, savoring each bite and the meanings of foods present for you.  They are foods of tradition, love and fun!  Think about the significance of your family traditions and mindfully, blend all of your knowledge and sensations, finding peace and joy as you nurture yourself.
Arsenal for Health
Anyone who knows me realizes that any arsenal I recommend does not include medicines and antibiotics!  So make sure you have herbs, Thieves essential oil, raw honey, and elderberry juice or syrup in your cabinet.  If a bug threatens you, use a drop of Thieves oil right on the tongue 3 times per day, take a tablespoon of elderberry every day and drink herb tea with a spoon of raw honey.

COLD RX TEA-- Put 1 bay leaf, 1 whole clove bud, 1 cinnamon stick and a couple whole sage leaves in a tea pot of boiling water.  Steep 5 minutes, strain and drink. Add raw honey to taste.  This is great for sore throats, stuffy noses and sinus problems.

'Tis the season of history and family traditions, repeating every year, reinforcing beliefs, initiating and educating the younger generations into the way of the family, the way of a culture, sharing memories of the past, creating new ones for the future. Mindfully, embrace this wonderful season to let it be a joyful loving time for you as well as family and friends.