Amidst the shopping and gift giving; the endless sources of distraction perpetuated by the media and commercialism, the holidays offer an opportunity to socialize, to let loose a little, to reconnect with family and friends, to insert cheer into our hectic work lives with entertainment,fun and a break from structure and routine.

At times we may be quite deliberate as we pull out all the stops in preparation and execution of customary traditions and in an effort to conjure and relive the magic of Christmas dear to our heart.

How do you celebrate the true meaning of this holiday season?  How does your faith or religion influence the practices that you follow?  Could you bring the spirit of Christmas, Hanukkah, and all sacred holidays celebrated at this time of year – into life lived daily? 

Could we live the true meaning of Christmas as a state of being; and a positive state of mind – that influences and inspires our moment-by-moment actions rather than what we consume as a once a year experience?  Would you be willing to replace the buying of gifts with the giving of your self as loving kindness throughout the year – and in the simplest and of ways?  What if we also taught our children to live by these same means?  Would life have different meaning?

 

Here are 5 simple ways to live the spirit of Christmas as a state of being; and as a metaphor for giving unto yourself and others – the most meaningful gifts of kindness, compassion, and love given deliberately and freely.

1. Giving is kindness.  Whenever you bestow kindness you are ‘gift giving’.  Giving of yourself in the form of help, advice, encouragement, praise, support, and truth – when given from the heart – are examples of what it means to give without conditions.  Practice giving of yourself in ways that are easy for you (and likely free) and notice how your kindness offers much joy and love to the lives of others.  A wonderful bonus to giving is in how you may reap the rewards of this felt most easily as joy from within (and of your heart).

2. Bring the sacred into the present.  We put a lot of emphasis (and pressure) unto one or several days once a year rather than living each day from the perspective of it holding significance and meaning, – and of knowing how to bring the sacred into the present moment.  You witness joy most vividly by being present far more of the time.  This can be witnessed by the taking of deep conscious breaths; of being attentive to your surroundings; of unplugging from your technology for a time as you enjoy the experience of this moment.  Make more of your moments special and sacred by being fully attentive to the experience of them.  This is what we do at the holidays as we relax into the present and we appreciate the beauty and magic that we may curate and simply witness – all around us.  This is also how we are able to remember with great detail – our experiences – as lasting memories. 

 

” live christmas as ‘a state of being’ lived in the presence of your heart “

love dorothy

 

3. Find the joy and live in it.  Joy is a heightened momentary state of your heart – open; to giving and receiving kindness and love.  You don’t need to feel an epic heightened momentary experience akin to the the thrill of sky diving or riding a huge roller coaster; joy is the expansive nature of your heart that is open to what you witness and live in the present moment.  This makes joy accessible and attainable as a way of being.  All that you need to do is remind yourself of all of the good in your life; to practice gratitude and thanks regularly – and to think of and anticipate the positive rather than dwell on what is a momentary and fleeing problem.  If you would like to discover more on what it means to curate unleashed joy, listen here:

 

4. Allow for more joy and fun in each day.  For what you do at the holidays that allows you to feel happiness and joy easily – make these an everyday part of life.  For example, will you make more of an effort to visit family or friends, to enjoy more downtime, or quality activities that refrain your need to remain hostage to your work schedule.  How can you live greater balance so that you are purposefully living more laughter and fun – even in the simple and ordinary habits of daily life? 

5. Allow more of what is truly important into your life.  At the holidays, we may be reminded of the need to come together with family – and doing so may be immensely enjoyable, or stressful; depending on the state of our current relationships.  Take this cue on whether your most important relationships are harmonious or in turmoil and seek out ways to improve these relationships as an ongoing part of what is important to you throughout the year.  This also means recognizing where a relationship may have limitations (for a time, or indefinitely) yet doing your part to mend and heal a relationship will mean more joy and happiness for you (and possibly the other person) at holiday gatherings and throughout the year as you hold the spirit of love and kindness in your heart as a way of being.  Remember the most important aspects of life and learn to live these as daily practices knowing that life is meant to be enjoyed – moment by moment.

 

When you seek out ways in which to live the spirit of the holidays in your heart as a way of being and not a once-a-year experience, life becomes more special, more sacred – more deliberate as you open yourself to its greater meaning and purpose. 

If the idea of this sounds incredible but you find yourself struggling with how to make this happen, please let me help.  Book your 15 min discovery session with me or purchase one of the session options for us to work together!!  Namaste! xo

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