During this time of year when, things can
get a bit crazy, it is so important to take even a little bit of time for some
self nurturing activities. Depending on
your lifestyle and family situation, it can be so easy to get carried away with
all of the holiday parties, shopping or social obligations that one can end up
on the other side feeling exhausted and resentful. For those of you who are natural born caretakers,
it is especially important to take some time off and just say “no” every once
in a while.
Your self-nurturing activities may include taking some quiet
time out for meditation and contemplation, going to the gym for a good work
out, or getting a massage. Time spent doing
outdoor activity is always a good way to diffuse overwhelming emotions and return
back to your true inner self. Even
shoveling snow will do the trick!
I do not celebrate Christmas. The peak of my holiday season is the Winter Solstice. That event
marks the start of the energetic New Year when the days start to get longer in the
northern hemisphere. I have a fire
ceremony at my house to honor the sun’s “return” into our lives. This
sacred holiday is a perfect time to set your intent for the coming year and actually marks the end of my personal holiday celebration.
In the past few days I participated in two very fun and
personally nurturing activities that kicked off my holiday season. On Thursday night, Mesa Verde National Park
held its annual open house. Luminarias
were put out around the Chapin Mesa Museum and also at the nearby cliff dwelling
called Spruce Tree House. What a magical
night it was, with a misty fog adding to the ambiance. In addition to enjoying the event which
included live musical entertainment and delicious snacks, I was there to do my
photography, which is one of my very most nurturing activities.
Last night I marched in the annual Cortez Parade of Lights
with my Zumba group. What a hoot! We donned our belly dancing skirts, hung
lights on ourselves, and danced our way down Main Street to the music of Pitbull’s
“Fireball” and Pharrell Williams’ “Happy”.
The crowd loved it and so did we.
These two activities were nurturing to me, but may not have been
to someone else. It is up to each of you
to make the time and chose the appropriate activity for you. In order to avoid holiday overload, this is a
necessity. Be kind to yourself!
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