I invite you to think about Mindful inactivity.  Taking time to be quiet, to reflect and recharge, will deepen your enjoyment of the season and your contribution to those around you.  It will also help you enter the New Year with a fresh perspective and clear vision of things to come.  What does it really look like, this mythical quiet time during the holiday season?

Take some time for meditation and journaling each day to listen to your inner guidance.  You may be inspired to write in your Gratitude Journal during this time.

Include free time as one of your activities, time to just BE.  In order to protect your quiet time, you may need to say “No,” to a few activities that do not align with your values.  Mindfully consider each holiday activity and set your own pace. 

Each day, several times a day, remember to slow down, take a few deep breaths, relax, and remind yourself to connect with inner peace in the midst of the commotion of the festivities and preparations.  You’d be amazed how pretty your holiday decorations look from the comfort of your couch!

What can you cross off your schedule this week to take time for Mindful Inactivity?  Join the discussion at Mindful Way of Life.

That’s when I decided to be more mindful and create something uniquely memorable about each holiday.  To do this, I needed to SLOW DOWN so that I could consciously consider and wisely select each holiday activity.  And I needed to remember to be more fully present for each activity that was so carefully chosen.  This process of Mindful Holidays, the conscious choice of activities and participation in my own unique way, was quite liberating. With mindfulness, I am less concerned about appearances, judgments or expectations.  Not only have the holidays become more memorable, but they’ve also become a lot more fun.

Mindful Holidays are an avenue to greater meaning, creativity, and joy.  As you enter you’re your holiday activities, I invite you to pause and find ways to participate with greater mindfulness. 

You may want to start by giving yourself permission to live true to your values this holiday season.   Set aside some quiet time to explore your own reasons for the season.  

- Is this time of year important to you because of the spiritual traditions?  How can you participate more fully in ceremony and celebration this year? 

-Is this the time of year when you revel in parties and socializing?  Would you have more energy and love to share if you chose to attend fewer (or more) functions? 

-Is connection with family the highlight of your holiday season?  In what ways can you engage more fully and authentically with every member of your family? 

-Is your health high on your values list?  In what ways will you take excellent care of yourself this season – physically, mentally, emotionally? 

Take time each day to review your schedule and make sure that you are focused on activities that represent your values instead of blindly rushing from event to event.

If you feel that an activity you don’t usually enjoy cannot be changed, then set the intention to deepen your mindfulness and attention to experiencing the activity fully, rather than getting stuck in negative thoughts about it.  You will experience the activity differently – who knows, it might even seem fun again!

What will you choose for yourself this holiday season?  Give yourself permission and freedom to make it your own.  Make it the best holiday ever!  Why not?

Share your thoughts at Mindful Way of Life.