Here we go…it’s December 23.  My kids have been counting down the “sleeps” until Christmas.  I have found myself on autopilot at best, completely frayed at worst.  My shoulders feel tight, my heart rate is fast, and my daily sit practice has been nearly non-existent.  I know that if I don’t make a change, this “most wonderful time of the year” will pass by without my spirit being present to it.  And I want to be present!!!  See, that sentence even has three exclamation marks!  That must mean it’s very true! In fact, I almost have moments of panic about wanting to be present, which only seem to perpetuate the feelings of overwhelm.  I want to soak up the magic and the wonder and the joy and the love!  Give me all the pleasant feelings!  

At the same time, however, I am also experiencing feelings of grief.  We lost my Uncle Jim this year, and this will be our first Christmas without him.  I want to allow those feelings as well.  

So what is a mom to do?  I still have a house to clean, gifts to wrap, and food to prep.  How can I notice the positives, honor those not with us this year, and be present to the wonder of the season?

I’m writing about it here so that I have some accountability.  I’m going to use a practice that I learned from one of my Mindful Schools teachers called, Savoring the Pleasant.

Just saying those words in my head helps my shoulders relax and my breath slow.  Savoring the pleasant.  It feels like sinking into a warm bath or curling up with a cup of tea and cozy blanket.  

Want to try it?  

1. Scan your surroundings and find an object or even a part of an object that appears visually pleasant to you.  It can be absolutely anything!  A single holiday light…the bark of a tree outside your window…the dimples on your child’s hand…I’ve even used the corner of a blanket for this practice. 
2. Focus your attention, resting your gaze on this one object and allowing the breath to deepen and slow.
3. Really bring your awareness to this object. What do you notice about it? What is its texture? Is it soft? Is it smooth? What colors do you see? If you could touch it with your hand, what might it feel like?
4. Continuing to breathe slowly, place a hand over your heart space to allow the pleasant feeling to soften and settle there, maybe offering a silent “thank you.” 
5. When you are ready, bring your attention back to your surroundings.  

This practice can last for minutes or just a breath.  It might even be interesting to expand beyond the visual experience.  Can we practice savoring pleasant sounds?  Pleasant tastes?  Pleasant feelings on our skin?  I wonder if I can practice savoring pleasant memories of my Uncle Jim and all the others who are with us in spirit?  

I am excited for the next few days: the anticipation, the joy, the music, the chaos! I am so blessed to have my amazing husband, my magical kids, and the most loving family in the world.  I owe it to myself and them and my Uncle Jim to savor the pleasant, letting my body and spirit soak it all up.  Dear readers, I wish you moments of peace and opportunities to savor the pleasant in your own experience this holiday season. Merry Christmas!