{"id":55470,"date":"2020-12-14T18:09:37","date_gmt":"2020-12-14T18:09:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lifeadvancer.com\/?p=55470"},"modified":"2020-12-14T18:20:44","modified_gmt":"2020-12-14T18:20:44","slug":"soulful-ways-to-bring-holiday-cheer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lifeadvancer.com\/soulful-ways-to-bring-holiday-cheer\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Soulful Ways to Bring Holiday Cheer This Year"},"content":{"rendered":"
Do you struggle with feeling the traditional holiday cheer this year? Many people do \u2013 this Christmas<\/a> is going to be nothing like before. So how to tune into the holiday spirit in these hard times?<\/p>\n I was relaxing on my couch last night watching something on YouTube. Unrelated to anything I was watching, I felt these words in my heart: breath is grace. <\/em><\/p>\n I think this made an impact on me since I\u2019ve been feeling the weight of the typical holiday cheer looking so different this year<\/strong>. It feels weird living in a world that\u2019s normalizing face coverings in the grocery store; with local shops and businesses closing down because of the economy.<\/p>\n It feels un-human: Social distancing. Face coverings. Nose swabs. Everything.<\/p>\n I\u2019m not saying this because I disagree with the protocol\u2014I don\u2019t\u2014but merely because I am trying to live a normal life in a very abnormal time in history.<\/p>\n But then I remember: every breath I\u2019m given is a symbol of grace. The grace to be alive. The grace to be present. And the grace to choose hope. So even amidst times that feel a little bit lonelier and quieter, there is grace.<\/p>\n Below are 5 interactive ways to step into this \u201cspace of grace\u201d\u2014by slowing down and being more mindful:<\/p>\n Before writing anything down, close your eyes and take an inventory of yourself. Are you feeling tense anywhere? Is your jaw clenched? Are your eyebrows furrowed? How\u02bcs your energy? Just observe, connecting within, before jumping into action.<\/p>\n When you feel centered, begin writing what\u02bcs on your mind: how you\u02bcre feeling, your goals, dreams, stressors, something you\u02bcre grateful for. Once you\u02bcve finished writing, close your eyes again and take a brief inventory. Do you feel more clear-minded? Did you drop any tension during the exercise?<\/p>\n When you keep a journal, you\u02bcre able to see patterns in your own self. I recommend reading what you\u02bcve written once you\u02bcre finished as this will help you process. Deep desires in your heart rise to the surface more easily. Things that are causing extra stress will be brought to your attention as they recur in your journal entries.<\/p>\n It’s easy to roll out of bed or take any spare moment and scroll on social media. But make time\u2014preferably morning or <\/em>night\u2014to connect within. Remember: this is a time to connect with yourself<\/a>.<\/p>\n Don\u02bct put pressure on yourself to write anything profound or deep. You could simply jot down how you slept and what you\u02bcre grateful for. Keep it simple. Let your heart guide you!\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n Try a new recipe. Start learning the guitar. Make your own candles. Listen to a new genre of music. Paint a picture. Engage your mind with something new that sparks your innate creativity.<\/p>\n You heard that right. Your innate creativity! <\/em>Whatever appeals to you: go with that. Try and stay off social media<\/a> while you do your hobby (unless you\u02bcre googling fun things to do ;<\/em>).<\/p>\n It never ceases to amaze me how trying something new\u2014whether it\u02bcs a new recipe or learning a new song\u2014 creates more space inside me. A new sense of clarity and ease. It\u02bcs like a cup of tea for your soul: cozy and uplifting. And it may help you feel the holiday cheer too.<\/p>\nHow to Be More Mindful and Bring Holiday Cheer This Year<\/h2>\n
1. Create A Mindful Journaling Routine:<\/h3>\n
2. Try Something New:<\/h3>\n
3. Find Deeper Ways to Connect:<\/h3>\n