The holidays bring a mixture of emotions. There may be immense joy, lingering grief, soft and fuzzy nostalgia, financial anxiety, travel stress, childlike wonder, abundant gratitude, and so much more. Each year will be different, as we collect and create new experiences and memories over time.
As a mother, you play an important role in shaping the holidays for your little ones. You decide what traditions and rituals from your recent past and childhood that you want to carry forward and new ones you want to create. You can lead from your creative center and trust your own embodied wisdom to make the holidays aligned with what is true to you.
If you are wondering what this looks like for you, I’ve put together a sequence of practices that support moving from your center for the holidays.
Reflection
Start with the Pranic Alignment Meditation to sense inner harmony and clear the energetic space around your body.
After the meditation take time to reflect with the following self inquiry questions.
When I think of past holidays what comes up for me?
Are there feelings and experiences that need tending? What is one way I can tend to them today?
What holiday rituals provide a feeling of joyful embodiment? How can I keep them alive?
Presence
Start with the gentle yoga practice “Arriving in Stillness and Restfulness.”
After yoga, explore the following self inquiry questions:
How am I feeling about the holidays this year?
What aspects of it feel grounding and centering in my body?
What aspects of it create tightness or fragmentation in my body?
Do my current plans feel complete and balanced? Or is there something missing?
Creativity
Start with the yoga nidra practice for creativity.
After yoga nidra, explore the following self inquiry questions:
What do I envision for myself and my family for the holidays this year?
Which traditions and rituals from my childhood do I want to incorporate? What new ones do I want to create?
What healthy boundaries do I need to maintain?
What do I want to open myself up to this holiday season?
You can do this practice over the course of a day, week, or longer, Move at a pace that feels right for you.
