It’s a stressful time of the year. Maybe the most stressful time of the year.
When we are stressed, run down, tired, and anxious, it’s very difficult to find compassion and understanding for ourselves, let alone for others. Add the season’s expectations to the mix and there’s a guaranteed recipe for unease.
One thing I have been leaning into this year is to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. I’ve been challenged to tune into myself more deeply, to listen to what I need, so I can tune out the noise and the distractions outside of me. 2022 was a year of growth for me, marked by two big milestones in my life: moving into my own practice space and becoming an aunt. But when there is growth, there are also growing pains. Just think of the biological changes we go through as humans, from birth to old age. There are many transition points and some, like puberty, are especially bumpy.
Scientist turned Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard writes in his book Happiness that “in fact everything is changing at every moment.” He describes the body as “a whirlwind of atoms that is never the same for even a millionth of a second.” It’s a very fascinating and peaceful book, which feels to me like medicine for my soul. It’s comforting to know that happiness is a skill that can be learned, honed, and practiced, even in times of challenge and adversity.
It can be hard to get into moments of peace and quiet on your own. That’s why I’m sharing this recording of a Mindfulness for the Holidays workshop I facilitated on December 12.
As 2022 comes to a close and 2023 is about to begin:
May you experience well-being one moment, one breath, one day at a time.
May you cherish the moments that bring you alive.
May you find moments of peace often - and may life unfold for you for your highest good and the highest good of all.
About Andrea Deierlein & Thrive Reiki, LLC: Andrea's work specializes in helping people transform the pain of life challenges and daily adversity through the practice of Reiki. She helps people struggling with stress, anxiety and overwhelm, to relax, calm down and breathe again. Focusing on stress management and the mind-body-connection, her clients shift out of survival mode, build focus and resilience. Connect with her on www.thrivereiki.com or follow her on Instagram @andreadeierlein