So the holiday season is here, and it's a usually reflective time for me, for a little look back at what 2013 looks like. In the spirit of the holidays, here I give you a little package of thought wrapped in a nice neat post before the year changes and we're all a year older.
I want this gift to be a thought about Giving.
Giving to me is about being given space. A space in your busy-ness where you might see a gap of clarity about what matters most. Space in your head make you more mindful, more considerate, more patient even. This is the most valuable lesson I learned this year when I navigate through my commitments and responsibilities, my brain slowly become more scattered, busy and anxious.
Here's Davidji talking about 'the gap'.
Giving space in my mind are these things in no particular order :
- Not reacting, pausing for a whole breath before responding.
Applicable to moments when you feel under pressure, rushed or hassled. When your expectations does not match the outcome. When one frustration begets another, when you call the day you've had 'a bad day'. A day where many of your needs were not met. You know what I mean.
- Letting go
Applicable whenever you feel irritable and overwhelmed. The letting go is therefor an act of resignation and acceptance that things will go whichever way it goes and you have relinquished control to whatever will be, will be. This….. gives you some breathing space, so you can relax in the moment.
- Watching your breath
This one's very under-rated. This activity is easy to do, but often under appreciated because the thought around watching breath can be a little too slow, too little and has a slow effect, while what you really get when your only effort is too watch the inhale and release, is the quieting of the surface ripple, so you can see the deeper ends of your thoughts.
- A safe place
Applicable when you need a little help, when you feel a slew of emotions that are contradictory, when you feel perplexed, and all you want to do is cry but you can't because you feel embarrassed. and crying seems inappropriate. A friend can lend you an ear where a safe haven is given to you, a place where you can just let yourself fall apart yet feel protected and cared for. Also applicable when you feel grief, sadness, maybe even a little depressed.
Happy Holidays!
Be merry
Enjoy the family and friends.
The food, the drinks, and
The new year.
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