Every year we know the holidays are coming and every year regardless if we love or hate them we stress out. We stress out over hosting, not hosting, all the things on the list, the cleaning, the shopping, the this thing, the that thing, seeing people we only see once a year, and this year…how do we get through the holidays without talking politics, even if politics have always been off the table for discussion at holiday gatherings?

First, it’s the stress of the changing world (it is always changing). Second, it’s the stress of the not-ever-changing (in our minds) family dynamics that come with the season, again, regardless of your liking the holidays and your family or not. If your family and friends are like my family and friends, you likely know people on both sides of the aisle. What do you do with that this year especially?

You breathe the way you want to feel. P e a c e f u l l y, s l o w l y.

How do you hold the stress of your side of the aisle mingling with the other side of the aisle when the entire point of this annual Thursday Holiday is to eat too much while being thankful for what you have? Well, first you don’t. It’s not yours to hold. Set it down. Then next…

By breathing: inhale, exhale. In nose, out mouth, or out nose, do what feels best.

By letting go: you can only control your feelings and your response, release attachment.

By trying a new pattern: if you want someone else to act different, than you must switch up your way of behaving. Act like you wish others would act.

By breathing the way you want to feel: if you want to feel calm, breathe calm.

At our recent sack lunch mini yoga retreat the theme was BREATHE. If you know me, you know that I encourage breathing to all my clients and loved ones. I love a good deep breath. I find so much value for myself in slowing down to notice my breath after years and years of trying to catch it. And if you know me at all, and have followed me here since 2010, you will know I L.O.V.E a good acronym. 

Be – Try doing less and being present.

Relax – Set down one thing getting done or delegate it to someone else.

Embrace – Allow the mess, the people with different views, the overwhelm–don’t fix, change, control.

Alignment – Notice every moment you choose to take a conscious breath, what needs your attention. Is it your body, mind, spirit, attitude or something else that needs an adjustment. Often the awareness found in the present moment, gets you back into balance and alignment.

Trust – Release control, worry and fear. Get Present.

Hope – Pray without words, believe that good, peace, joy and love are all possible.

Ease – Move at your pace. Move slowly, stopping the rush, creating peace first with your thoughts, then with your actions. Remember, “No, thanks” IS kind and loving and especially if it’s really what you want to say.

If the conversation is rough, find your breath. If the energy is awkward, lock yourself in the bathroom for five minutes and breathe. Then open a window. Not necessarily in the bathroom, stay with me here. Open a window so light, spaciousness and possibility can enter the room. And please, for the love of all that is good and holy, don’t make Christmas plans until you have celebrated Thanksgiving the way you want to. (And if that’s writing Christmas cards, ok, I get it.)

No matter what side of the aisle, can we please slow down enough to breathe at our own needed pace. And here is a big ask, and it’s okay if you would rather not comply, can WE PLEASE keep the Easter Candy off the shelves until March?

Who do you want to be this holiday season? It starts now. One breath at a time.

Cheers, Jenny