As the holiday season approaches, our calendars seem to overflow with festive engagements, shopping lists, financial burdens, and the pressure to create perfect moments for our loved ones. During this whirlwind, I rely on my transformative ally – mindfulness. I'm not here to offer clichéd advice or paint an idyllic picture of perfection; instead, I want to share my honest and vulnerable experience of how mindfulness practices, specifically breathwork, gratitude, and intention setting, have become my anchors in the storm of holiday overwhelm. I feel it is important to emphasize the word Practice. There are days and periods of time that the practice of mindfulness comes easier or more difficult. I strive to do my best and leave judgment out of how well I practiced that day. The next day is always a new opportunity to try, as the practice of mindfulness is ever changing as we navigate new and different chapters and seasons of our lives.

The holiday season can be a beautiful yet demanding time. The pressure to create magical experiences for family and friends often collides with the reality of tight schedules and endless to-do lists. It's easy to lose oneself in the chaos, but through mindfulness, I've found a sanctuary of perspective, laser sharp focus, and clear-headed action.

Breathwork:

In the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, it's easy to forget the simplest yet most powerful tool we possess – our breath. Mindful breathing has become my refuge. When stress and anxiety threaten to engulf me, I take a moment to inhale deeply, and exhale slowly. Each breath is an anchor, grounding me in the present moment. In these stolen moments of respite, I rediscover clarity and composure. I can feel my heartbeat slow down and my muscles release tension. The best part of this practice is that I can do it no matter the situation, whether I am driving, in a meeting, staring at my screen, or in the middle of unproductive stress.

Gratitude:

Amidst the clamor of holiday expectations, it's easy to focus on what's lacking or what hasn't gone as planned. Gratitude, however, has the remarkable ability to shift our perspective. I've incorporated a daily gratitude practice into my breakfast routine with my family, taking a few moments each day to reflect on the blessings, both big and small, that surround us. This intentional focus on gratitude has become a powerful antidote to the stressors that inevitably arise during the holiday rush.

Intention Setting:

The holidays often bring a sense of urgency, a rush to check off tasks on an ever-expanding list. Intention setting has been my remedy to this overwhelming pace. Before diving into the day's activities, I take a moment to set an intention that I will bring with me throughout the day. My favorite intention that I utilize most days is: “At the end of my life looking back, how would I move through this thought, interaction, decision, or moment.” Incorporating the end-of-life perspective helps me navigate the complexities of life with a heightened awareness of what truly matters. A tangible example from my own life may look like this as it relates to quality time with loved ones:

• Intention: "At the end of my life looking back, how would I move through this moment with a loved one?"
• Application: When spending time with family or friends, I set the intention to be fully present. I put away distractions like phones and truly engage in the moment. I reflect on the significance of these connections and the memories being created.

• Benefit/Outcome: Applying this intention to quality time with loved ones can enhance the depth and richness of my relationships. By being fully present, I create meaningful experiences and memories that contribute to a sense of fulfillment and connection.

Other intentions can be as simple as being present, finding the gift or opportunity for growth in each situation, or making someone happy with an act of kindness. This intentional focus shapes my actions and responses, guiding me through the day.

In sharing my personal journey, I hope to convey that mindfulness is not a silver bullet that eliminates stress entirely. Rather, it's a tool that equips us to face the holidays and every day with resilience and grace. Mindfulness doesn't erase the demands of the holiday season; instead, it transforms our relationship with them.

This holiday season, I invite you to join me in embracing mindfulness not as a trend but as a lifeline. In the practice of mindfulness, we find strength and we discover the magic within the chaos.