What a beautiful reminder about creating space for ourselves, thank you. Your words about mindfulness sparked some thoughts about tools I love sharing for navigating overwhelming times.
One practice I've found deeply nourishing is what I call 'kitchen meditation' - those moments between tasks when we can pause and really notice what's around us. Every time I make ghee (my favorite monthly ritual), I watched how the butter transforms through distinct stages - from chaotic bubbling to perfect clarity. It reminded me how our nervous systems can settle the same way if we give them time.
To add to your wonderful toolbox, here are a few practices from Ayurvedic tradition that complement what you've shared:
Hot water sipping - sounds simple but it's like a reset button for your system. Just pause, hold the warm cup, and feel yourself ground down. A moment of pure presence.
Oil at pulse points - keeping a tiny bottle of calming oil (like lavender or rose) nearby or in your bag. Just 2-3 drops on your wrists can shift your whole state when you're standing in that endless holiday line (if anyone does that anymore).
The exhale pause - before walking into any situation that might be draining, take three breaths but focus on the space after the exhale. It's like finding a tiny pocket of peace you can carry with you.
Thank you for opening this important conversation. I find that the simplest tools are the most powerful, especially when we share them with each other. 💝
Thank you for sharing those great Ayurvedic practices!I will definitely try the hot water sipping! And i have done the exhale pause practice in meditation before and it is great! Thank you for reading and replying 💖
Holidays have been challenging for our family, so we decided to step back from them. 2021 was the last Christmas we decorated for or exchanged gifts. Since then, it’s been much more peaceful. We still do a big Thanksgiving and then gather for my eldest's birthday on December 30th. Instead of Christmas, we’ve chosen to make birthdays throughout the year more special. My husband and I still enjoy seeing the Christmas lights and attending holiday events when we feel like it, but we’ve opted out of the full celebration, and while it’s been a bit strange, it’s also surprisingly wonderful not to celebrate. Telling people we don't "celebrate" Christmas does give us odd looks and questions. But I don't mind!! Happy Holidays to all!!!
I love this! If it were up to me, i wouldn't celebrate Christmas either! I find it stressful and griefy and kinda a let down. I'd much prefer not to decorate (even though i love it when it's up, I hate the actual decorating and then having time take it all down a few weeks later!), or exchange gifts and just enjoy the season in other ways (go find Christmas lights or a play or something, and Christmas meal and yummy foods, but that would be it. Low stress and hassle!
I hear you, Sis!! It's rough. The decorating, the cooking, all the celebration is down to me and I ain't doing it no more!! LOL..... you got this!! Yes, very griefy!! Great word!
Hi Caitlin! Thank you for sharing your tips! I can personally not live without the forest bathing, especially during these darker months. I don't believe most people think a lot about self care (myself included) during this season, so thank you for bringing up such an important topic. I hope you're taking care of yourself this month too. Many hugs 🤗💚
Hi Julia! Thanks for reading <3 and yes, I'm doing my best to take care of myself this month - especially as it comes up to the anniversary of my mom's passing in 9 days... but I make sure I get outdoors at least once a day (having a dog helps!) and get my exercise in (running, and daily yoga)
Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss. Those daily activities and being outdoors can have a very big impact and significance on our lives. I'm glad to hear you've found that to be true too 💚
I start feeling the feelings in November because that's when my birthday is...and traditionally in my working years, a very busy lead up to Christmas Holidays meaning end of year school reports, concerts and more. I do love the spirit of Christmas but I have had to reduce my self-expectations to meet my changed place in my family.....and that's OK too. Sending my best wishes to you because I know there is a lot of remembering for you...
What a beautiful reminder about creating space for ourselves, thank you. Your words about mindfulness sparked some thoughts about tools I love sharing for navigating overwhelming times.
One practice I've found deeply nourishing is what I call 'kitchen meditation' - those moments between tasks when we can pause and really notice what's around us. Every time I make ghee (my favorite monthly ritual), I watched how the butter transforms through distinct stages - from chaotic bubbling to perfect clarity. It reminded me how our nervous systems can settle the same way if we give them time.
To add to your wonderful toolbox, here are a few practices from Ayurvedic tradition that complement what you've shared:
Hot water sipping - sounds simple but it's like a reset button for your system. Just pause, hold the warm cup, and feel yourself ground down. A moment of pure presence.
Oil at pulse points - keeping a tiny bottle of calming oil (like lavender or rose) nearby or in your bag. Just 2-3 drops on your wrists can shift your whole state when you're standing in that endless holiday line (if anyone does that anymore).
The exhale pause - before walking into any situation that might be draining, take three breaths but focus on the space after the exhale. It's like finding a tiny pocket of peace you can carry with you.
Thank you for opening this important conversation. I find that the simplest tools are the most powerful, especially when we share them with each other. 💝
Thank you for sharing those great Ayurvedic practices!I will definitely try the hot water sipping! And i have done the exhale pause practice in meditation before and it is great! Thank you for reading and replying 💖
Holidays have been challenging for our family, so we decided to step back from them. 2021 was the last Christmas we decorated for or exchanged gifts. Since then, it’s been much more peaceful. We still do a big Thanksgiving and then gather for my eldest's birthday on December 30th. Instead of Christmas, we’ve chosen to make birthdays throughout the year more special. My husband and I still enjoy seeing the Christmas lights and attending holiday events when we feel like it, but we’ve opted out of the full celebration, and while it’s been a bit strange, it’s also surprisingly wonderful not to celebrate. Telling people we don't "celebrate" Christmas does give us odd looks and questions. But I don't mind!! Happy Holidays to all!!!
I love this! If it were up to me, i wouldn't celebrate Christmas either! I find it stressful and griefy and kinda a let down. I'd much prefer not to decorate (even though i love it when it's up, I hate the actual decorating and then having time take it all down a few weeks later!), or exchange gifts and just enjoy the season in other ways (go find Christmas lights or a play or something, and Christmas meal and yummy foods, but that would be it. Low stress and hassle!
*having to take it all down
I hear you, Sis!! It's rough. The decorating, the cooking, all the celebration is down to me and I ain't doing it no more!! LOL..... you got this!! Yes, very griefy!! Great word!
Hi Caitlin! Thank you for sharing your tips! I can personally not live without the forest bathing, especially during these darker months. I don't believe most people think a lot about self care (myself included) during this season, so thank you for bringing up such an important topic. I hope you're taking care of yourself this month too. Many hugs 🤗💚
Hi Julia! Thanks for reading <3 and yes, I'm doing my best to take care of myself this month - especially as it comes up to the anniversary of my mom's passing in 9 days... but I make sure I get outdoors at least once a day (having a dog helps!) and get my exercise in (running, and daily yoga)
Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss. Those daily activities and being outdoors can have a very big impact and significance on our lives. I'm glad to hear you've found that to be true too 💚
Thank you! 🤗💕 yes I've definitely found these practices very helpful! ☺️
I start feeling the feelings in November because that's when my birthday is...and traditionally in my working years, a very busy lead up to Christmas Holidays meaning end of year school reports, concerts and more. I do love the spirit of Christmas but I have had to reduce my self-expectations to meet my changed place in my family.....and that's OK too. Sending my best wishes to you because I know there is a lot of remembering for you...
Thank you Denyse 🤗😊💕