This time of year it can be so challenging to take good care of body, mind and spirit. And that’s not good! At the very same time we are heading into cold and flu season in the midst of a world-wide pandemic. If there was ever a great time to be take care, that time is NOW.

But, oh my, contemporary times do not make it easy: the body is accosted by rich food and hectic schedules; the mind is stressed by pressures to spend time with people in uncomfortable social situations; and the spirit is saddened by platitudes of peace, love and joy that are rarely put into practice. Now is the time to step up the self care!

STEP UP FOR THE BODY by sticking to a regular routine. This can be tricky because of the many temptations to eat seasonal foods and stay up too late. Remember the 80/20 rule: As long as you’re living right 80% of the time, you can waver 20% of the time. It might be more or less for you but figure it out and you’ll be happier and healthier in your body.

STEP UP FOR THE MIND by knowing which people and situations cause you stress. Your first thought may be to avoid them, but that’s not always an option, especially at the holidays. Here are two steps you can take: 1) sit quietly and imagine yourself in the situation or talking to the difficult people taking note of the thoughts and emotions that are triggered. Take a few deep breaths to return to the present moment before going on to step 2) revisit the situation as an observer, almost like a fly on the wall who watches the people and activity as if it were a movie. Notice how your mind conjures up very different thoughts and emotions when you are an observer rather than a participant. See if you can bring this new attitude into the stressful situation you have been dreading.

STEP UP FOR THE SPIRIT by marking the season with a meaningful ritual. There are many opportunities to do this at the Winter Solstice, one of the many holidays celebrated in December, or the start of the New Year. You can make it fancy by collecting crystals, flowers, essential oils or scented candle, or you can make it plain with simply paper and pen. Look over the past year and make a list of the challenges you’ve faced, the ways you have grown, what you want to let go of, and what you want to embrace for the new year. Sit reflectively with what you uncovered. Give gratitude for this past year and all the good that is coming your way in 2022.

I notice the themes of peace, love and joy showing up throughout the holiday season. These are great sentiments to share during the holidays and throughout the year.

PEACE I am reminded of the words of Thich Nhat Hanh who said, “There is no way to peace; peace is the way.” We should not wait for some spiritual teacher or government leader to create peace in the world. All peace begins with us—in our hearts, in our words and in our actions.  

LOVE Just this week I read these words by Mohanji: “Whenever negative thoughts plague your mind, whatever its causes are, step back and think for a moment ‘Is this what I choose to park in my sacred space?’ I bet you will want nothing to do with those negative thoughts. Instead, park love in your sacred space permanently.” Can it be that simple to remind ourselves that we want ourselves to be expressions of love in all we think, say and do? Yes, it can be that easy.

JOY This quote from Buffy Sainte-Marie should make you smile: “You have to sniff out joy. Keep your nose to the joy trail.” So much of information flowing toward us these days is not good news and if we get caught up in it we will most certainly lose track of our joy. Let’s keep our focus on that trail of joy by expressing gratitude for all that is good and beautiful in our lives and in the world.

HERE’S A PRACTICE FOR YOU
Find a comfortable place to sit where you won’t be disturbed for 10 minutes.
For about a minute settle down and simply breathe in and out.
For two minutes, breathe in peace and breathe out peace.
For two minutes, breathe in love and breathe out love.
For two minutes, breathe in joy and breathe out joy.
For two minutes, choose one of the three and breathe in and breathe out.
For the last minute, observe how you feel in your body, mind and emotions and make an easy transition into the rest of your day.