'Tis the season for stress levels to skyrocket. For some, it may even feel like some of the most challenging weeks of the year. Many are silently struggling during the holiday season – with changes in routine, unrealistic expectations, the pressures of perfectionism, family dynamics, you name it. There never seems to be time to just be, catch a breath, let alone honor your own needs.
You may worry a great deal of what must be done, could go wrong, can't wait; while moving further away from noticing and nurturing the things that already work smoothly and effortlessly… like your breath, the lifeforce flowing inside of you, the beating of your heart.
Practicing gratitude can be a tool for anchoring yourself in the here and now. It's an invitation not to follow the mind's dizzying ride into the past or into the future. But to be here. Right now.
When people develop a sense and skills of appreciation in everyday life, things begin to shift.
It's a chance to let go of the idea(l)s of perfection, of all the if-onlys... if only... if only... if only...
Don't if-only or what-if your life away.
Instead, right now, this very moment, allow yourself to notice your breath, the invisible lifeforce running through your body, and the rhythm of your heart. Thank yourself for noticing, for taking this micro moment for yourself, for remembering that you’re a human being, not a human doing.
May you experience CALM, LOVE & GRACE – today and every day.
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