Time for Christmas
It is only 1 sleep before Christmas (as my kids would say) & we may be feeling the stress of all the last minutes things we need to do. It’s a time of year full of excitement, busyness, stress & even sadness. I myself used to struggled with the Christmas season, as it also reminded me of those I love & have lost. I used to feel the struggle of wanting to find all the joy of the season, yet not being able to shrug the dread of the decisions of gift choices, which parties to attend, what do I make for meals, the list can go on…..but as you have seen, with my blogs in the last few weeks, I am working on embracing the idea of the holidays without all the undo fuss. I hope, like me, with practice, you find peace in the process of the season without the worry of perfection.
When we give the gift of time to ourselves, we become more present & are able to give to those we love. I hope you are able to find some balance this holiday season as well.
A very happy Christmas Eve to you all!
“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas". ~Peg Bracken
If you are needing a bit of help finding a practice to take a small break over the holidays, see the attachments below & take a few minutes for you.
SAT NAM OR KIRTAN KRIYA (to honour truth)
This is a meditation chant exercise originating from Kundalini Yoga that involves
chanting and using finger poses (mudras).
This simple exercise reduces stress levels, increases circulation in the brain, promotes
focus and clarity, and stimulates mind-body-spirit connection all while breaking old
patterns of behavior.
From 6-12 minutes once a day
1.Sit in an upright position on the floor or in a straight-backed chair. Rest your hands on
your knees with palms facing upwards.
2.Chant the syllables Sa, Ta, Na, Ma - lengthen the ending of each sound as you repeat
them, ...aaaaaaaaah.
3.Touch your index finger tip to the tip of your thumb as you chant Sa.
4.Touch your middle finger tip to the tip of your thumb as you chant Ta.
5.Touch your ring finger tip to the tip of your thumb as you chant Na.
6.Touch your pinky tip to the tip of your thumb as you chant Ma.
7.Do the finger movements as shown in steps 3-6 as you chant in the following
sequence:
◦ Chant out loud for 2 minutes
◦ Chant in a whisper for 2 minutes
◦ Chant in silence for 2-4 minutes (stop here or add next 2 steps)
◦ Chant in a whisper for 2 minutes
◦ Chant out loud for 2 minutes
** If at first this seems a bit lengthy, try 1 min for each step or just try it in your own
way…..they key is to just do it. Even try while lying down with hands resting beside you
as a way to help you find rest**
Sanskrit chanting sounds Sa Ta Na Ma translates to
birth, life, death, rebirth (the cycle of life, habits, ideas….)
http://www.chopra.com/articles/cultivate-present-moment-awareness-with-the-so-hum-meditation
Cultivate Present Moment Awareness with the So Hum Meditation
The So Hum meditation is a simple but powerful technique that uses the breath and the repetition of a mantra to quiet the mind and relax the body. This meditation will help you move beyond your mind’s busy chatter to the peace of present moment awareness.
Choose a place where you won’t be disturbed. Sit in a chair or on the floor, using blankets and pillows to make yourself as comfortable as possible.
Close your eyes and for a few minutes and take a few moments to observe the inflow and outflow of your breath.
Now take a slow, deep breath through your nose, while thinking or silently repeating the word So.
Then slowly exhale through your nose while silently repeating the word Hum. Continue to allow your breath to flow easily, silently repeating So . . . Hum . . . with each inflow and outflow of the breath.
Whenever your attention drifts to thoughts in your mind, sounds in your environment, or sensations in your body, gently return to your breath, silently repeating So . . . Hum.
Do this process for a few minutes when you’re first getting started, gradually building up to half an hour. Just breathe easily and effortlessly, without trying to concentrate. When the time is up, sit with your eyes gently closed, taking a moment to rest in the stillness and silence. When you emerge from your meditation, you will carry a little bit of still and silence into all of your daily activities.
Namaste,
Anne Cox E-RYT 500
ACYOGA.net
403-819-9790
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