Mindfulness Holiday discussion
The holidays are fast approaching-and as for me Im all over in my mind and it seems not enough time, or people may not like their gifts, or what about the food is it enough.... See how the mind can race and not stay focused on the "right now" So first lets listen together to this relaxing exercise and get out minds in the right place
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6p_yaNFSYao
Discussion
1. How did it feel to sit and listen to this mindfulness exercise?
2. All of us have wondering thoughts and get distracted, were you able to come back to this exercise and not judge yourself?
3. The holidays can bring up so much as well as trigger our depression,anxiety and other things. How do you think mindfulness can help you with being more of control/aware of this?
4. What are some things that you can do when you feel your mind wondering and worrying about things concerning the holidays?
5. Mindfulness is alot of breathing and refocusing. Is there anything that you do that helps you be in the here and now?
Here are some mindfulness tips for the holidays that might help you
1) Practice active listening. Its easy to tune out during holiday dinners and get-togethers, but try being attentive by using active listening. You might be surprised how rewarding and also how much more you will observe and hear. Try to understand the complete message that people are conveying—not just through their words, but also through their actions and body language.
Active listening works best when you minimize distractions, so put away your smartphone, turn off the TV, and turn down the music so that you can hear what people are saying. Acknowledge and encourage people to communicate by giving a simple nod or smile and respond by engaging directly with what they said.
2) Be open to the emotions of others. By being attentive and receptive to the people around you, you can increase your ability to connect. Observe how people are feeling during the holidays, and be open to communication of those feelings.
3) Be open to a range of emotions in yourself. Holidays can bring up a whole host of different emotions—and not all of them happy or celebratory. For many, the holidays can be reminders of loss, grief or loneliness. You might experience these difficult feelings, especially when loved ones are absent, so allow yourself to make space and acknowledge whatever emotions come up for you rather than try to get rid of them.
4) Let go of old habits or patterns that might be holding you back. Holidays come with traditions and memories but, sometimes, old patterns can perpetuate negativity. Its easy to fall into familiar patterns. Perhaps youre annoyed with your in-laws repeating the same story at the dinner table or anxious around a competitive coworker vying for attention. Notice these thoughts and feelings that are happening now, and try to be curious about what is happening, rather than being stuck in thoughts or feelings you might be carrying from the past. This opens the possibility of a new experience in your interactions and can reduce feelings like frustration or boredom for you.
5) Expand how you communicate care. The holidays often means gift-giving for many cultures, though there are many other ways of showing that you care. Explore how you show your care by asking yourself questions before buying something: What are you trying to communicate through a gift? Are there additional ways to show that feeling or care, such as spending quality time, expressing how you feel about them directly, or doing something nice and supportive?
6) Practice self compassion. During a busy holiday season, dont forget to take care of yourself and be good to yourself. Get regular sleep and exercise, and take time to do relaxing or fun things so that you can recharge. Taking care of yourself allows you to be able to be more attentive and calmer when youre with others during the holidays. You may even find that when you take care of yourself, it is possible to be kinder and more giving to others— all keeping in the holiday spirit.
