Do you ever have that empty feeling after the holidays? Like maybe they didn’t happen at all! But wait…all those parties, shopping, endless eating and family get-togethers. Yes, they definitely happened. The real question is “were you PRESENT”?
Are you interested in being truly present with yourself and others for the holidays – silly question right? Certainly you want to feel joy, create memories and feel the love of others. Mindfulness can help you do that.
What’s Mindfulness Again?
Mindfulness means that we are “aware in the moment”. So essentially fully present to what is happening. And in case you didn’t know this already, mindfulness can be applied to your regular day to day tasks. But since this is a survival guide for the holidays let’s start there.
Delight In Your Senses
A simple way to think about mindfulness is through your 5 senses. When we are mindful, we are tapped into those senses. What better time to fully experience and appreciate the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touch of the season?
What do I mean? Let’s say that you are baking your grandma’s famous sugar cookies. Imagine this moment…a warm cozy kitchen, the fragrant sweet aroma wafting from the oven, perhaps a quick taste of the irresistible sugary gritty dough, delightful colors of frosting and sprinkles waiting to decorate your small masterpieces and all while you’re getting your groove on with some old school Bing Crosby.
Basically you have a choice. (1) Bake the cookies and check the task off your to-do list OR (2) Be present, immerse yourself and be delighted. I’m a fan of choice #2 myself.
How To Experience A Mindful Holiday
For a richer more memorable experience during your merriment, simply ask the question “what are my senses telling me?”.
Below is a list of activities just begging for your mindfulness.
- Decorating your home on the inside or outside.
- Cooking or baking yummy seasonal goodies.
- Listening to holiday music that makes you happy.
- Wrapping and packaging gifts.
- Viewing holiday lights and decorations – particularly at night.
- Indulging in the delish foods of the season.
- Feeling the brisk cold weather or snow.
Add your own to the list or consider creating a new tradition reflecting your commitment to experiencing a mindful holiday season.
It always goes by so quickly. Make the most of it while you can.
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