Holiday Meditation: Soothe Stress And Kick The Winter Blues

The holiday season is a strange time,

Isn't it?

There's a script we're all handed.

Joy,

Connection,

Gratitude.

And those are all great things.

But the holiday season can also bring stress and negative emotions.

Let's begin by sitting or lying comfortably.

You don't need to change anything right now.

Just notice how you feel in this moment.

How your body feels.

How your mind feels.

Take a moment to recognize whatever is alive in you.

No need to push anything away.

Or grab hold of anything.

Just notice.

You might gently feel the breath here.

Inhaling.

Exhaling.

We so often move through the holidays lost in thought.

Of what's not done.

Of who we might disappoint.

Of who we miss.

Of the impossible expectation to make it all perfect.

But right now,

Nothing is being asked of you.

You can just rest here.

See if you can allow the whole season,

Everything it stirs in you,

To unfold without resistance.

Let the joy be here,

Yes.

But also,

Let the sadness come.

Let the tiredness come.

Let the irritation come.

As guests.

You don't have to serve them tea.

Just let them pass through.

Maybe you're holding pressure to show up a certain way.

To create an experience for others.

Or to pretend you feel a certain way inside.

Let all of that soften for a moment.

There is no role to perform right now.

Just this human moment.

You,

Simply being.

You might notice thoughts continuing to arrive.

Planning.

Remembering.

Judging.

Letting go doesn't mean they disappear.

It just means you stop being pulled under.

Watch them appear.

Then disappear.

Like clouds moving across a winter sky.

Thoughts are not permanent.

They're not who you are.

They're weather.

Come back to the breath.

Noticing the coolness as it enters.

And the warmth as it leaves.

Could you allow this holiday to be just what it is?

Not the one in your head.

Not the one on Instagram.

Just this one.

Just this body.

Just this breath.

Just this moment.

You don't need to make the season perfect.

You don't even need to be perfect within it.

You're already enough.

Thank you for practicing.

Be gentle with yourself and happy holidays.