TRADITIONALLY, it's a time of goodwill and peace. A time when we will hopefully be relaxing and having fun, enjoying the company of family and friends. The holiday period, indeed the whole year, can seem to go past in a flash, with only a few prominent memories standing out. So, to make the most of the days ahead, try living in the present, savouring each moment as it unfolds before you.
When there's a moment of happiness, contentment or fun, allow your senses to heighten, but keep your body relaxed and your breath soft and steady. Look around and allow your eyes to take in the little things, allowing their image to draw down into your mind. Listen to the sounds, and appreciate what you hear. Savour the smells and tastes, the sensations against your skin, the warmth of laughter or the look in someone's eyes. Allow yourself to consciously experience the little points in time which, by experiencing more fully, we can then recall more vividly.
Focus on the good things in the day. Allow any irritations or upsets to pass, without giving them too much thought or energy. Be aware of any internal dialogue, taking us off into negative thinking. Gently draw the mind back to the present.
Instead of allowing thoughts to race on to the next event, or dwell on what's past, allow them to quieten and become more still.
The more we can rest the mind, and simply observe, experience and appreciate the good or happy events around us, no matter how small or inconsequential they may seem, the more peaceful and balanced we become. When we feel peaceful, we are more able to send out goodwill to others.
I'll end with an old Cherokee parable to ponder over Christmas.
One evening, an old Cherokee told his grandson about the battle that goes on inside people.
He said: "My boy, the battle is between two wolves. One is Evil; it is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego. The other is Good; it is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.
The grandson thought about this and asked: "Which wolf wins?" The old Cherokee simply replied: "The one you feed." Stay in the present, feed the good wolf, and have a happy Christmas.
Claire Rodgers is a psychologist and yoga teacher
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