Open your heart and home to others this Thanksgiving. Invite a needy family for thanksgiving into
your home or at least take someone dinner.
We live in a world where many people have lost their jobs, homes and
families and are in need of an experience of acceptance and love. Call a shelter, a church, synagogue, temple
or mosque to find a family you can invite to your home for Thanksgiving. If you feel uncomfortable having a "stranger"
at your home, at least give something this year to so many in need. This year we need to open our hearts and
souls to each other. We grew up in a family where our home was open to all
forms of needy individuals and families this time of year. It made life
exciting, loving and we learned that we really are all one diverse human
family. I promise you this simple
practice will transform your life. Happy
Thanksgiving!
Rituals; Our Anchor for
a Rich and Sustainable Life
November begins the season of many profound rituals in our
lives.A ritual is a bridge. Rituals
bridge our past, present and the future. Rituals glue us together inside and
out. Our daily spiritual practices, our
daily meals or play rituals with our family keep us glued together. Rituals are also an anchor that keep us
centered and resilient as we travail life‘s storms, losses and
transformations.
A ritual is any
INTENTIONAL action that evokes deep inner meaning that connects our mind, body
and soul. The smallest action can have
dramatic meaning. Ritual is the
repetition of a ceremony, simple or elaborate, alone or with community. Rituals awaken involve our senses: seeing
(witnessing), hearing, smelling, tasting, touching. Rituals are about: Re-membering (body) and
Re-minding (mind).
Rituals keep us healthy and increase our happiness in many
ways. Rituals reduce stress, anxiety and
depression. They calm the mind and relax
us. When you feel drained, fearful or
stressed, you can do simple rituals to stop the stress and restore balance and
calm. You may have a ritual of yoga, tai
chi, chi gong, meditation, guided imagery or listening to music.
Create new family rituals this holiday season or you may
want to reinforce family, religious or cultural rituals that create meaning for
you.
·
Spiritual/
Religious Rituals: Developing a
spiritual life and connection with the Divine/Holy/God. Rituals such as: quiet time in your home, a
moment of silence during your busy day or reading from an inspirational book
daily. Many Sabbath rituals are very
powerful in rooting your family together.
Informal rituals can be blessing your food before eating a meal, in the
morning and before bed.
·
Family
Rituals: Family rituals create
rhythm, security and richness in a family.
They help keep a family grounded and de-stress the family. Simple rituals: reading together, eating
together, bath time, walking, play time.
·
Health Rituals: Exercise: Keep you doing it. My dogs start jumping around when I grab my
shoes, barking and excited. That gets me
happy. Food rituals are more important
than ever with our obesity epidemic.
Where do you eat? What do you eat? How do you eat? Is your dining space
cheerful, peaceful and reflecting respect. Remember that color, noise, foods
and light are all integrated into our food ritual.
Holiday Stress Is
Here
6 Trigger points of holiday
stress and some practical tips to help you enjoy this holiday season.
1. Write
It Down: The brain can get overwhelmed with too much to do and too much
information. Begin your de-stressed
holiday season with making lists, write everything down.
2.
Finances: Finances are the number
one concern. Three out of four Americans overspend during this time of the year.
Create a budget and
stick to it. There will be less unexpected expenses during the holidays.
Create a unique gift
list. Instead of fighting mall traffic or last minute gifts, shop online
all year-round to watch for clearances and sales. Buy gift certificates,
spa vouchers, or give money to the recipient‘s favorite charity in their
name.
3.Travel:
Unpredictable weather, overcrowded airports, and unreliable transportation
can all lead to stress and exhaustion. Memorize stress reduction techniques, and teach them to
others.
Be sure to nurture
yourself. Take along a favorite blanket, music, or DVD for comfort.
Most airports have a
variety of places to buy food. Make wise food choices to lower stress
levels that include omega 3‘s, vitamin B, and spicy foods. Eating high
fat, greasy foods can make you anxious and feel stressed out.
Keep moving. Walk up and
down the concourse, or do yoga stretches. This produces endorphins,
calming
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