For many, the holiday season is stressful – time, money, family demands, travel, end of year deadlines – the list goes on. Sometimes experiencing sanity seems like a more reasonable goal than experiencing joy! Then, to compound the matter, we often become overly concerned for the joy of family members, friends, co-workers. Though well intentioned, all this concern tends to put even more stressful energy into the holiday craze, fueling the fires of overwhelm.
Joy is always found within. In the time of holiday parties, fancy decorations, family gatherings – and shopping! – it’s easy to start thinking that joy might be found in something outside of ourselves. But if we look within to experience joy, we can then en-Joy our situations. That is, we can infuse our environment with joy from our own calm, loving center. The joy we cultivate within makes our whole world an enjoyable place. The stresses still exert their pressures, but we meet them with a sense of peace and hope.
You can practice en-Joying the holidays when you commit to an inner calm and presence. This doesn’t happen automatically! We are each capable of great internal chaos, and we are also capable of great inner peace and joy. It takes focus and practice to connect with our own joyful center, and then we impact others with the energy of joy, rather than the energy of tension or stress. Cultivating your own inner joy will spread out to all and become your true gift for the season – one less gift to stress over!
Some ways to En-Joy, and be a Joy Giver!
Set an intention. How do you want to experience the holidays? If you plan to be joyful, now is the time to set that intention! Pick just one or two states of being that have particular meaning for you (such as joyful, or service-minded). Make the state(s) your focus starting NOW. You can even use the word(s) as a mantra to help remember your intention.
Make an internal commitment. It is powerful to make a calm and joyful state of being as your most important focus, as your “purpose.” When making a commitment you are determined that no matter what is happening around you, no matter what you are doing, you make your chosen state of being your highest priority.
Have a plan for nurturing mindfulness and inner peace. Set aside time to meditate, journal, read, listen to music, do yoga, be in nature, or engage in the activities that bring you back to a joyous place. Just as important, prepare for those occasions when you might find yourself off-center. Make a list of ways you can take a timeout to calm yourself, such as going for a walk, refocusing on your breathing, having a cup of tea, calling a friend, reading a particular inspirational passage, or simply looking up at the sky.
Take time to meditate on compassion for others. It’s amazing how joyful you will feel when you wish others well. A wonderful way to do this is with Loving-Kindness Meditation. Sit comfortably, slowly and silently repeating the mantra, “May all beings be happy, healthy, safe, and free.” Include yourself in this blessing, and use it to en-Joy specific people and/or situations.
Gandhi appropriately said to be the change you want to see in the world. We can be the joy we want in our world. Have a wonderful and joyous holiday season!