Mindful Holidays, Part II

The time between Thanksgiving and New Years can be a whirlwind of activity, when shopping trips take three times as long as usual and every joyful cookie exchange means an extra hour or two in the kitchen.  Mindfully choosing your activities can keep you grounded in the moment, but to truly enjoy the holiday (or any) season, you also need to create space for…nothing.  When was the last time you turned off the television, turned off the list making in your brain, and simply sat on your couch?

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This post was written by brook on December 14, 2008

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Mindful Holidays Part I

Did you ever try to remember details about past holidays and find that they all blur together?   When I noticed this, I realized it was partly because my family celebrated exactly the same way every year.   More importantly, I recognized my tendency to become less mindful as I got caught up in the busyness and activities of the season.  I seemed to go into ‘auto-pilot’ mode where I let myself be swept away by the tide of traditions and family expectations.  

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This post was written by brook on December 12, 2008

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On Gratitude

This is the season when we are reminded to give thanks.  In the whirlwind of family events, how do we take time for mindful gratitude?  One way is with a Gratitude Journal, a special book devoted to listing the things, large and small, that enrich our lives.  If you have one that you’ve been neglecting, now is a great time to revisit it.  If you don’t, consider finding a few quiet moments each day to list ten things you are grateful for.  Choosing to focus on gratitude first thing in the morning creates a positive outlook for your whole day. Read More…

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This post was written by brook on November 29, 2008

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