Be Still!

Feng Shui may be all about balance and harmony and the gentle flow of chi, but, let’s face it, the holidays aren’t.  And some of us wouldn’t have it any other way.  This is the time of year when we truly welcome the surprises, the hustle and bustle, the last minute rush and the chaotic comings and goings.  Our social life picks up at a dizzying speed, we take on more than we thought we could and we handle the stresses more gracefully than before.  At least, we usually do.  We may vow that this year the holidays will be easier, simpler, close to the heart. This is the year we celebrate the true meaning of the holidays and we finally let go of things and traditions that don’t matter anymore.   At least, we are getting closer. But we are not getting closer to controlling the rushing around of people all around us.   There will be lines in the stores, the banks and the post offices.  Traffic will be heavier than usual.  People will be kinder, people will be greedier. People will get to us.  At least, they will some of the time. And the first thing that we tend to do over the holidays is to neglect ourselves and the ones closest to us. There is no fault in this, no blame.  But it comes with the territory of being too busy, stressed, and overloaded, even if it is a wonderful overload. What we can do, everyday, is create a space for ourselves where we touch the inner calmness, the stillness that brings inner peace.  Take time for yoga or exercise class, practice deep breathing, find a moment alone where you can relax in a hot bubble bath.  Find a nook where all is quiet and you can drink herbal tea or hot chocolate in peace.  Take time to stare into a roaring fire or walk along the beach.  It doesn’t matter- just take time to do nothing, to just be, to connect with that inner stillness. And the reality is, the more we are able to do this the more we are able to sail through the craziness that is happening all around us. Be still.