For other ways to combat holiday stress, check out "Joy to the Store: 5 Keys to a Happy, Sane, and Prosperous Holiday Season" by Tess Whitehurst and "Merry Blissmas: The Key to a Stress-Free Holiday" by Andy Baggott.
'Tis the holiday season, and while we’re reminded to be of good cheer, for most of us it is the most stressful time of the year. We organize, making our lists and checking them twice, but the one thing most of us forget about is taking time to care for ourselves during the hectic holiday rush.
A growing number of physicians are suggesting meditation as a holistic practice to relieve stress. It's exciting to see this form of mind, body, and spirit healing given the credence and attention it deserves. For those who have never tried to meditate, the idea of sitting in an uncomfortable position in complete silence is enough to discourage even the slightest attempt. This does not have to be the case, as there is a meditation practice suitable for each type of person.
Interested? Here are a few suggestions to get you started on a meditation practice of your own.
First, begin by disregarding any preconceived notions you have about meditation and how it is supposed to work. The key is to create a practice that feels right for you.
One of the easiest ways to do this, is to adopt a simple ten-minute meditation practice which I like to call…
Ten-Minute Bliss Breaks
Step One: Create a Routine
Establish a set time for your meditation, such as early in the morning to set the tone for the day, or before bedtime to open your mind to a relaxing dream state.
Step Two: Don't Forget to Breathe
Crucial in any meditation practice is the breath. Slow, deep, methodical breathing will relax the body and bring in oxygen to both the lungs and blood stream. It also helps retain focus and awareness.
Step Three: Give It Some Time
At first it may feel difficult to relax and quiet the mind. If you're finding it hard to concentrate on nothing, you may prefer to explore creative visualizations.
Creative Visualizations
Athletes are taught to visualize a positive outcome and imagine the feeling they will experience when winning the game. This same technique can be used for your meditation, by using your imagination to create a sacred space, which becomes your private sanctuary and retreat.
As you begin to meditate, picture a peaceful scene that you find relaxing, such as a garden. Build this scene in your mind so that it is a warm and welcoming space for you to visit, adding beautiful details such as a bench where you will sit in the garden. Listen to the birds chirping, and notice the soft breeze blowing through the trees. Breathe in slow and exhale fully, releasing the air from deep within you. Feel the warmth of the sun caressing your face. Relax. Slip off your shoes, flex your toes, and sink your feet into the soft grass. As you breathe in again, take notice of the flowers in bloom as their fragrance fills the air. Spend some time in your garden, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.
While in your garden you can let go of whatever is troubling you. You may choose to invite someone to sit with you on the bench who will listen as you share your thoughts and concerns. You might create a lake around the garden or a waterfall, and as you swim, you release all of your cares into the water and watch as they float away. Perhaps a pet from your childhood joins you in the garden and you spend time playing with them, forgetting your concerns of the day.
Continue building this garden in greater detail until you see it fully in your mind and know it well. Then claim this scene as your sacred space. Know that you can return there anytime, all you need to do is to sit quietly, breathe deeply and imagine this scene in your mind.
Practiced often, meditation and creative visualization can make a significant impact on your day and create a sense of relaxation and well-being.
Create a ten-minute bliss break that's right for you and as the holidays heat up, you'll be cool, calm, relaxed and ready to enjoy the season.
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Kala on her favorite bookstores:
"My favorite bookstores all share a common trait. They entice and lure me in with a whisper which says, 'Something magical awaits you here.'"
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