The Gift of Being Present

How easy is it to get swept up in the holiday season and not even know where the holiday even went? This is your sign to remember that the biggest gift you can give to your family members this season is being present.

Yes, the photos will be a cherished memory, but what about the important things that cannot be documented in a picture.

Here are 5 ways you can be more present this holiday season:

1. Take the time to notice your breath- Use mindfulness strategies to simply notice your breathing. Is it paced or are you gasping to breathe? Is there any anxiety in your body you need to breathe into?
2. Listen to your body- Do you need to slow down? Are you trying to operate at lightning speed? Are you listening to your body and how it’s telling you not to entertain that one uncle’s last comment about your body? Or is your body telling you it might be time to leave? Are you feeling certain emotions somatically within your body you are ignoring?
3. Listen to your loved ones around you- Remember if you are an adult human and you see your family members for the holidays that might be 40 more holidays which might be 2x a year that might mean you have 80 more times give or take you might interact with family members. Remember to cherish that time.
4. Set boundaries- If family members are saying things about your body, or have opinions about your life that do not serve you please remember the importance of setting boundaries. Boundaries allow us to let others know how it’s okay or not okay to treat us. We teach others how to treat us in most cases.
5. Seek assistance- If you find it really hard to notice your breath, listen to your body, listen to your loved ones, set boundaries or struggle during this time of year being present please feel free if you are in the State or California to our practice. This is your invitation.