With the thought of not being with those we love at Christmas, I wondered how I might help my clients. This seems very appropriate right now.
There are losses and gains in this pandemic and Christmas cannot be ruled out as we wait to hear of the new rules for Chrismas gatherings. We are in this together, and personally, I am noticing that I have less stress in the run-up to Christmas because preparations are scaled right back. How is it for you? I hope this mindful enquiry will bring some peace to create a way forward to being with what is, just as we are, in this moment to moment experience of Christmas 2020.
Grab yourself a notebook to journal what you find.
Find 5 minutes for you, somewhere quiet where you will not be disturbed.
Arriving and settle into a quiet place, check-in, am ‘I comfortable?’ ‘Do I need to change anything before I begin?’
Pause and take three deep breaths.
Noticing and explore the feelings that arise, they may be of sadness, loneliness, loss, anxiety. What does it feel like in the body? Where in your body do you feel the emotions? Can you feel any sensations? Not trying to change anything just accepting them, as they are, right here, right now.
Place a hand over your heart or stomach area, or wherever you feel sensations in the body, let the warmth from your hand sink into the body.
Awareness and acceptance by naming what is here, right now in your experience, you become aware. Name it. Maybe say it out loud: ‘I’m feeling sad, or I’m not happy about this, I’m anxious about how Christmas might look for me’. Acceptance does not mean giving up or tolerating what’s happening. Acceptance is active; it’s about our willingness to be with what is. It can bring a real sense of peace and inner freedom. Take your time, don’t hurry this part.
Respond by turning towards these feelings with compassion, in time there will be a feeling of empathy towards yourself and the circumstance, and better still; there is a feeling of including everyone, in particular those who are feeling the same.
Remember, there is so much to be grateful for. We are connected in this shared experience; we are not alone.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.
If I can support you in any way, feel free to email me at paulinepart@gmail.com.