The hustle and bustle of the holidays are in full swing. We’re rushing from event to event while closing out one year and preparing for the next. It’s also when many of us find ourselves bracing for challenging moments.
During this season, we can feel a little lost, even amid fun and laughter. We might find ourselves feeling disconnected from who we’re trying to be and what really matters to us.
Then there are the other people around us. We might be spending time with family members who deliberately bring up contentious topics, or those who critique everyone else's life choices while avoiding discussion of their own. Sometimes just thinking about our family dynamics and how relatives interact creates stress.
Small practices can help us invite gentleness during challenging times. Having these practices at the ready can help us respond thoughtfully rather than react, and use difficult moments as opportunities to show up differently and live out a better story. Here's a simple practice I use to notice and release physical tension in my body.
Take a moment for yourself—maybe in your car before going inside, find an empty bedroom, or even in the bathroom. Once you’ve found a quiet space, take a few deep breaths, and check in:
Inhale: Fix your attention on your jaw and tongue.
Exhale: Let your jaw relax, gently moving it side to side, and allow your tongue to rest naturally away from the roof of your mouth.
Inhale: Notice your shoulders and lift them high.
Exhale: Release them softly, letting them fall away from your ears.
Inhale: Bring your attention to your hands and spread your fingers wide, stretching them fully.
Exhale: Gently wiggle them to release the tension.
Inhale: Focus your awareness on your toes and squeeze them tightly.
Exhale: Release your toes, letting them relax onto the surface beneath you, and feel the solid ground supporting you.
Inhale: Observe the thoughts and feelings you're having in this moment.
Exhale: Repeat aloud or to yourself—I release tension and embrace kindness, softness, and calm.
Repeat this breath cycle, focusing on each movement or statement one at a time. With each breath, connect deeper with a conscious choice to move through the world with more gentleness and care.
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