The Perfect Holiday Gift -- a centered and refocused self!

Heading to class yesterday morning, I listened to Nigella Lawson on the radio (She's one fabulous and creative cook--that woman knows how to love her food!) as she discussed preparing holiday meals. Imagine my relief when she said that she opts for the simpler meals, in order to enjoy her friends and family. She asked this rather sensible question, "Why cook the roast duck with cherry brandy sauce if it means that you'll need to spend an hour or more weeping from the strain of making it all come out perfect?" Yes, why indeed. We hardly expect perfection from ourselves and others during any other time of year--not not back off our expectations for the holidays as well?

As I write this blog, I must tell you that there were HUNDREDS of hits when I search for the word string: "perfect holiday gift." That's a whole lot of expectations goin' on. We need lots of self-control and self-checking this time of year to not let marketing messages and consumerist frenzy take over our lives (and our bank accounts).

Take some cues from your yoga practice. What we do in class can help manage some of the stress that creeps into an admittedly frantic time of year.

First of all, remember to breathe. Pace yourself as you move through the day. Focus on one activity at a time and enjoy being "in the moment." Even if it's just washing dishes, direct your attention to the soap suds,  the sound of the water, the sheen of clean and sparkling glassware, the sparkle of silverware. Treasure the little moments.

Secondly, take time to nurture yourself. Schedule some "me time" whether it's time working out (those endorphins released will boost your mood) or enjoying a warm cup of herbal tea. You're worth it.

Finally, consider that a relaxed and well-centered you might be the best gift you can give to others. After all the wrapping paper is folded and the decorations are stowed for another year, what will you and those you love remember about this year's holidays? A "perfect" present given with tension in the air, or a relaxed and peaceful holiday season? It's next-to-impossible to create a holiday that is "camera ready" for a glossy magazine cover, but you have the power to make less-than-perfect moments memorable with your good humor, resilience, and positive attitude.

I recall one holiday when an enormous 15-foot tree fell over--ornaments, lights, and tinsel--as a particularly emphatic punctuation mark to our celebration dinner. We still laugh about the mess to this day--and tease each other about the rather ugly "guy wires" that we've used ever since.

The adage that we "practice" yoga and accept our limitations with good grace has almost universal significance, especially this time of year. Bring your practice out into the larger world this holiday season. Be good to yourself. Give the perfect holiday gift this year: a presence that is relaxed and appreciative of all that is good this season.

Namaste,

Nancy