Navigating the Holiday Season with Yoga: A Blissful Guide
By Maria Bliss
As the holiday season approaches, brimming with special opportunities for celebration and sharing, the whirlwind of seasonal festivities can naturally become overwhelming. Amidst this delightful bustling energy, yoga becomes a sanctuary of calm for us — an oasis providing space to find balance, ground oneself, and authentically embrace the true spirit of the season. We offer the following suggestions to support your exploration, encouraging you to embrace yoga as one of your guiding lights during this festive holiday season.
Mindful Beginnings: Starting Your Day
Embrace the gift of each new day by committing to a mindful yoga practice that sets a positive tone for the hours ahead. Begin with a simple stretch right in bed, in your cozy pajamas, as you check in with your body, heart, and mind. In the short video below, immerse yourself in the beauty of a simple Mindful Morning practice. This gentle ritual invites the intention of kindness and presence, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.
The Practice: Start your day with Maria's short & rejuvenating morning yoga practice, a perfect way to kickstart your morning with mindfulness and vitality.
2. Connect with your Heart: Lead with Intention
Delve into the essence of this holiday season by discerning what holds the utmost importance for you. What really matters? Craft a personal intention that aligns with your deepest values—be it spreading kindness, engaging in acts of service, or embodying compassion and forgiveness. Consider it a commitment to release old narratives, habits, or expectations, granting yourself a sense of liberation. Whether you aspire to connect with loved ones, engage in community events, or take time for cherished rituals, mark these moments on your calendar. Infuse mindfulness into each day as you live in alignment with your heartfelt intentions.
3. Nurture Mindful Presence: Your Personal Touchstone
In the hustle and bustle of holiday chaos, it's common for stress or overwhelm to momentarily pull us away from the present, steering us into the realm of strong emotion and stories. Recognize these moments when they arise, noticing when your attention is pulled from your body and up into your busy mind. Amidst the flurry of people, circumstances, and the feeling of having "too much to do," it's crucial to discover what effectively brings you back to the present. Explore the practices that work best for you to invite yourself back to presence and what is actually happening. Choose your own touchstone—perhaps it’s the rhythmic dance of your breath, the grounding sensation of your feet on the floor, the delicate awareness of your hands, or simply a moment of attentive listening. Let this touchstone be your anchor this holiday season, guiding you back to the soothing embrace of the present moment.
4. Begin Again: Choose a Mindful Reset
Within the realm of mindfulness, every moment becomes an opportunity to start anew. This renewal can unfold on our yoga mat, meditation cushion, and silently, seamlessly throughout our daily lives. Dive into the vast array of practices available, recognizing that the most effective practice is the one you will engage in consistently. Whether it's a beloved guided meditation, a specific breath practice like Sama Vritti ("box breath") described below, or quiet time for journaling, contemplative prayer, walking meditation, or yoga asana—each is a potent tool for embarking on the journey of beginning again. Establish a simple routine that allows you to return to yourself whenever life sways you off center.
The Practice: Sama Vritti or Box Breath - an even breathing practice to promote a sense of balance, reduce anxiety and calm the mind.
Inhale for a count of four and exhale for the same count of four. Equalize the length & depth of each breath, adjusting the count so it is comfortable for you.
Next, add a pause at the top of the inbreath and hold for a count of four. Then exhale for a count of four, adding a pause at the bottom of the outbreath for a count of four.
Focus on the feeling of the breath as you inhale, rest in the sense of fullness when you pause. Feel the release as you let go of the exhale and rest again in the calm space when you are empty.
5. Cultivating Balance: Listen Inward
Embrace a journey of self-honor by connecting with your needs and understanding what contributes to your sense of steadiness and balance. Particularly during this festive season, acknowledge the healthiness of setting boundaries and simplifying life where possible. Recognize the power of saying 'no' to certain situations or opportunities, as it paves the way for more resonant 'yes' moments. Give yourself the gift of listening inward and choosing mindfully. Cultivate your own holiday experience that fosters harmony and centers your spirit.
6. Nourishing Joy: Tending to Your Happy Heart
Nurture your well-being by exploring the things that ignite joy in your heart. Reflect on what makes you feel whole, cared for, and loved, enabling you to extend that love outward. Whether it's the serene moments by the decorated tree, the resonance of special music, connecting with cherished friends, immersing yourself in a good book, luxuriating in a soothing bath, or taking a daily walk—delve into the practices that stir happiness in your heart. Prioritize these acts of joyous self-care, fostering a holiday season that radiates well-being.
7. Mindful Closure: Create Gracious Endings
Conclude your day with a gift to yourself—self-care and gratitude. Settle into a few minutes of repose in a restorative pose, such as Savasana or Viparita Karani (legs up the wall). As you gently surrender to a few moments of stillness, reflect on the messages and blessings woven throughout your day. Embrace the opportunities you had for connection, savor the beauty of being alive, acknowledge the challenges with respect, and cherish the moments steeped in love. Slow down, unwind, and immerse yourself in the wisdom of your own heart. Mindfully conclude your day, sensing the enduring presence of love.
The Practice: Join Maria for Savasana, a serene finale to gracefully close out your day and cultivate inner peace.
Gift from the Heart: A Season of Shared Presence
In the midst of this season of festivities and fun, consider bestowing the most precious gift—to both yourself and your loved ones—the gift of your undivided presence. The practices of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness serve as valuable tools in cultivating the art of being fully present in the moment. Extend this gift to others by choosing presence over distraction. Whether you're adorning the tree, sharing a meal with family, standing in line, strolling down the street, or savoring a warm moment with friends, set aside the phone and immerse yourself completely in the experience. In embracing true presence, you magnify the joy of the season for yourself and those around you.