Finding Peace

The hustle and bustle of this holiday season looks different for most of us this year.

With social distancing, family gatherings limited and a strong desire to protect the ones we love, it’s as if the world is being asked to pause.

To slow down.

And take a breath.

Winter, inherently, is a time to go inward. As the season begins to shift from cold to colder, it’s a welcoming invitation to slow down a little more than usual.

To count our blessings.

And connect with loved ones any way we can.

Through this slowing down, I’m reminded of the beauty that can be found in the simple moments. The way we connect with each other. And the way we connect with ourselves.

It’s been a challenging year for many people. Not only for our businesses and our health but also our personal wellbeing and sense of security. Many of us are being asked to face our deepest fears. To sit with the things that make us uncomfortable. And to presence ourselves in a whole new way.

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How are YOU feeling?

Has life felt overwhelming? Have you felt sad, angry or frustrated? Do you have the urge to cry more often than usual? How is your health? Have you been well or faced challenges? Have your body and mind felt at ease or dis-ease?

Whether your journey this year has been smooth or turned upside down, it has the potential to be beautiful all the same.

Within such chaos and uncertainty lies a powerful invitation to access inner peace.

Managing our energy allows us to experience moments of peace. And in those moments of peace, we can find clarity. And within that clarity we can receive messages from God, the Universe, the divine and our Higher Self.
The truth is, peace is found moment by moment. It is found in our breath and in our presence. It is always available.

Allow yourself to feel.

Allow yourself to experience.

Allow yourself grace.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to create more peace in my day to day life:

1. Breathe - Connect with your breath. In moments of overwhelm, pain or extreme discomfort, find a place to sit and take 10 deep breaths. Allow your body to soften around anything that comes up, without making it wrong or not okay. Presence yourself with it. Allowing this energy to be there and to move through you will allow it to dissipate more quickly.
2. Create a safe space - Dedicate time to connect with yourself each day. Sit in silence. Start with 10 min and work your way up to an hour (or any amount of time that feels comfortable for you). Choose a spot in your home where you can do this each day. Grab a pillow to sit on and a blanket to stay warm. It doesn’t have to be much. Choosing the same space each day will help remind your body (and mind) that this practice is safe. Over time you’ll find it easier to come back to this place again and again – both your inner mind and your physical environment. When your mind wanders, gently acknowledge the thought or emotion and thank it for being there. Welcome it with love, allow it to be there and soften around it.
3. EFT Tapping – EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) is a powerful healing technique for communicating new information to the brain and body to release patterns of illness and pain. This simple and highly effective technique can easily be done at home, on the run and in moments of need. To get started, check out Dr. Kim D’Eramo’s website for several guided practices to address anxiety, depression, natural healing, pain relief and much more. (https://drkimderamo.com/eft-tapping/)
4. Relax - Draw an Epsom salt bath. Light a candle and choose some relaxing music. For added relaxation and connection to Self, add some of your favorite essential oils and/or crystals to the bath water. This will help energize the water while detoxifying your physical and energetic body.
5. Move your body – Movement doesn’t always have to mean going to the gym or an hour-long fitness class. For many of us, movement can be simple as light yoga or stretching, dancing or going for a walk. If you’re short on time, try playing a song (or two!) and dancing around your living room or office. You’ll find even this short bit of movement can have a powerful impact on your wellbeing!
6. Create a gratitude practice – The holiday season is a beautiful time to connect with what and who we’re grateful for. Spend a few minutes each morning (or evening) focusing on 5 things you’re grateful for. You can write them down or simply acknowledge them to yourself.

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There are many other practices you can use to cultivate more peace in your life. I encourage you to explore and experiment with what works best for you.

As we enter this holiday season, remember to be gentle with yourself.

You’re not alone.

As the saying goes, “As is the micro, so is the macro.”

Meaning, we are all connected.

Every bit of peace you cultivate in your life is extended out to those around you – near and far. There has never been a better time to take care of yourself then the time we are in right now.
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Indeed everyone will benefit.