2 holiday Helpers that relieve Stress

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The holidays are a special time for many people—a time for family, friends, and all the wonderful connections that come with it. But it can also be a challenging time for some of us. For me, it’s a moment to search for a deeper meaning. What are the holidays really about?
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Throughout history, traditions—whether religious or spiritual—have placed significant focus on this season. Whether it's Advent, Hanukkah, or ancient traditions celebrating the return of the light, this time of year holds profound meaning. If we take the time to check in with ourselves, especially as the days grow shorter and darkness comes earlier, we might find an opportunity for deeper reflection.

I wanted to take a moment to focus on that deeper meaning and share a few simple but powerful practices to bring it to the forefront of our awareness. These practices can help us tap into the true spirit of the holidays and support our growth as conscious, evolving human beings.

Practice 1: Calming Before Sleep
Before you go to bed at night, take a couple of minutes to ground yourself. You might begin by placing your hands gently on your body. Breathe deeply—in through your nose and out through your mouth. Let yourself settle into a moment of calm.
As you do this, you may notice your mind racing—thinking about the day’s events, unfinished tasks, gifts you still need to buy, or the traffic you endured. Whatever arises, gently guide your focus back to your breath. In through the nose, out through the mouth.
When practiced consistently, this simple routine can help you navigate the chaos—both in the world around us and within. Especially during this busy season, calming your nervous system allows you to tune in more deeply to the inner voice that guides you.

Practice 2: Gratitude
The second practice I invite you to try is focusing on gratitude. Specifically, gratitude in the sense of identifying three things each day—just three—that you’re grateful for. They can be big or small; it doesn’t matter.
What we’re doing here is shifting our focus away from the constant stream of negative thinking that so many of us have been programmed to default to. Gratitude is one of the fastest ways to connect with Source, Spirit, or even your deeper self. By intentionally focusing on it and writing down three things every day, you create a subtle neurological shift in your brain. Over time, this practice is likely to transform your consciousness and your perception of the world.
These two practices—calming the mind and focusing on gratitude—are incredibly simple yet profoundly impactful. Practiced daily, they can keep us from getting swept up in the chaos around us. They support two key principles at the heart of the holidays: calm and gratitude.
Give them a try, and let’s check in on January 1, 2025, to see how your consciousness has shifted.