Simplicity through the Holidays

For many of us, the last three months of each year can feel like a countdown of holidays that peak at Christmas and offer a sigh of relief as we watch the ball drop in New York City (that's if we stay awake late enough to see it). Each passing day seems to bring us many more to do's than we can gracefully handle.
  
Though there is an abundance of festive joy ringing in the malls and adding sparkle to our neighborhoods, we can often feel overwhelmed and obligated.

If you begin to feel frazzled, remember to tune into the simplicity of the season.

Getting through the holidays, with grace and joy, is mindfully possible:

• Let the weather guide you and slow you down.
• Go to bed soon after sundown, or at least consciously allow yourself to wind down.
• Eat nourishing and hearty foods.
• Light candles, build fires and take extra care to stay warm.
• Avoid errands after dark.
• Play holiday music instead of watching TV.
• Bake for fun.
• Take the time, just as you lay in your bed at night, to breathe into your heart and ask to be aligned with this sacred, inward time.

However you spend your holy days, remember to invite peace into your heart and keep your actions within the essence of that intention.

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