Seed pods of future growth
Planting the seeds of growth and potential does not have to be complicated. Just like Mies Van Der Rohes' design adage suggests, Less is More may prove to be very helpful this holiday season. During this time there are so many temptations, distractions, and expectations. Also it is a time to very much honor your values of family, connection, community and what is most important to you. And interestingly enough if you try to do it all, those values will fly out the window, resulting in dissatisfaction all around, plus some stress and regrets on the side. So.....less is really more.
Perhaps one less drink, one less shopping excursion, one less political stance at the family gathering would help create the conditions for an authentic conversation or the feeling of gratitude versus one of overwhelm. Knowing ourselves, our point of balance, is important during times like these. So what helps you connect to yourself? A walk in the hood, a replenishing nap in preparation for the big party, even 5 minutes of breathing with the intention of relaxing and releasing, or perhaps getting those colored pens out for a session of coloring??? (Coloring, I found out over Thanksgiving, is a wonderful way to connect with your favorite teenager!)
The question is; What are you willing to give up in order to get more of those qualities that makes your holiday sing? I have found that silencing the "I should be doing this, I should be doing that", though potentially disappointing for the other person, is quickly forgotten when substituted with a quality of being fully present - mentally, physically, and emotionally. And self care and self knowledge is the important pathway to fully inhabiting the magic of being fully present. Find the support you need for doing less, and being more!
Which brings us to More. If less is more what DO you want more of this holiday season? Taking some time for setting your intentions can be powerful. Instead of plowing full steam ahead to be all things to all people (you know this is impossible right?) Give some thought to what you value most in your life and then how to honor that. More playing-with the young people in your life, more listening - with your elders, more gestures of generosity and kindness- with the stranger, more heart connection- with those closest, are some suggestions from my playbook.
May the Spirit of the Holiday be present for you!
Gratefully,
Shunya
And here is a gift for you (regifting is also possible! ) - a coaching exercise to help you make the most of your reflection on this past year and the New Year approaching. A place to voice what is important about this time for you. A couple of questions to help you articulate what you have learned, (we all hold a lot of past experience and wisdom around this) and a couple of questions to help acknowledge and then imagine what it is you would like to create for yourself in moving forward, perhaps a shift, trying something new, or following through on that long held dream??? And this gift includes a powerful conversation with me, your HeartWisdom Coach. I look forward to being your resource in exploring new possibilities and your support in embracing change.