As we approach the end of the year and the associated festivities, for some of us it can be a wonderful time for joy, connection with loved ones and plenty of food, drink and presents. For others it can be stressful, with the extra burden of festive tasks on our to do list, a lack of money and resources or the prospect of socialising with certain people.
However you are feeling we will be there with you over Christmas with daily live online guided meditations at 10.30am and 7pm across the Christmas period, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day morning sessions as well as new Year’s Eve and New Year’s day evening sessions. Usually, our sits are Monday to Friday, but as Christmas and New Year fall on a weekend we have added these extra weekend days. To join our community of practice at these guided meditations, just visit our home page www.mindfulnessassociation.net. (*see note below)
Generating an attitude of kindness or gentle friendship is a good approach to life and especially at Christmas time. We can set an intention each morning to offer gentle friendship towards ourselves and towards others and the life circumstances we meet during the day. Then at the end of the day, we can reflect back on all the acts of kindness we experienced, kindness to others, kindness from others and kindness to ourselves.
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
Dalai Lama
When kindness meets a happy moment, it becomes joy.
Make a list of some of the things that make you feel happy at Christmas, such as: a favorite song or carol, fairy lights, a favorite seasonal snack or silly costumes or jumpers. Then whenever you notice one of these things, take a moment to be present, feel the feet on the ground and smile all the way to your eyes. Really pay attention and actively enjoy and relish the experience.
When kindness meets a challenge, it becomes compassion.
When you experience a challenge or a difficult moment, this is a great opportunity to pause and do a self-compassion break, by:
- Pausing and making a gesture of self-soothing, such as placing your hand on your heart, giving yourself a hug or holding your own hand.
- Acknowledging the challenge or difficult moment by saying to yourself in a kind voice, “This is a difficult moment”.
- Then recognise common humanity. Being human is a messy business, with all of us experiencing troubling thoughts, strong emotions and painful sensations some of the time. None of us are perfect and we all experience difficulty sometimes, so we are not the only one that feels this way.
- Then be kind to yourself. For example, you might say some kind words to yourself, reach out to a friend, do something that makes you smile or have a cup of tea.
If you see others around you that are experiencing challenges or difficulties, see if there is any way you can help. If you are unable to help, then send some kind wishes to the person who is struggling, such as:
- May you overcome your challenges
- May you be happy
- May you be at peace
Carrying kindness with you in your heart, is the best way to be happy this festive season with all of its ups and downs. The Dalai Lama, one of the happiest people on the planet says that kindness is his religion. He advises us to be kind, and if we cannot be kind to at least do no harm.
It works for me and I hope it will work for you!
Wishing you a very Happy Christmas
Kind Wishes,
Heather
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Our online Christmas practice days are running on the 27th, 28th and 29th December this year. You can read more about them HERE