It's that time of the year between
Thanksgiving and New Year when so many things are happening. Our
family is busy with Christmas preparations, birthdays, end of
semester projects, tests and professionally, end of the year
deadlines. Despite the craziness, I do love this time of year. I
love the making and eating treats, wrapping presents, get togethers
with loved ones and non-stop holiday music (after Thanksgiving and
not a moment sooner!).
Whether your life is busy right now or
not, most likely you're affected by the hustle and bustle around you.
There are longer lines, busier stores and lots of traffic. Before
the end of the year, you'll probably encounter a grouchy shopper, an
overextended worker or someone cutting you off in traffic. It's
bound to happen.
It can be easy when you are tired or
overextended to get sucked into the negative vortex of energy. As a
defense, I recommend a smile meditation. When you find yourself in
those stressful and hectic scenarios, take a breath, remember what's
important and smile. This can be a wonderful shield from the people
around you, who are caught in a downward spiral. It can be a
lifeline for someone who is getting dragged down by that spiral too.
I've tested this theory through many
holiday seasons and it does work. It's helped me to focus my holiday
and end of year energy in a positive trajectory. I know that it will
be crazy at the store or on the road, but that will not dictate my
experience or reaction. It's also helped me provide respite for
others. A smile or even a kind word to a worker who was being
treated unfairly by a crazed shopper can go a long way.
From a yogic perspective, the concept
of a smile meditation is the practice of yoga and in tune with
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras 2.35-36. “When we believe in not harming
others, all creatures will cease to feel hostility in presence. For
one grounded in truthfulness, ever action and deed, bears fruit.”
Happy Holidays & Namaste!
