Holiday Moody Blues and Joys
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I had a lovely day this past Sunday with family and dear friends. It
was a holiday gathering, with my partner, my nieces and their
partners… and I finished the evening feeling warm and relaxed, with a
big smile on my face.
It hasn't always been like that.
There
were times when holiday gatherings with family meant falling into
confusion, envy, longing, irritation, sadness, anger, the whole
gamut… and other people's feelings were hard to deal with too!
Remembering that, I also remember what a gift it was to having a Focusing type of self-kindness with me.
I
was 22 years old on my first Christmas visit home after I learned
Focusing. The familiar confused mixture of longing and shame began to
clarify for me. I was able to notice and acknowledge how I felt, and
then be kind to those feelings in me. It was a revelation. My own wants
and needs were finally less mixed up with the wants and needs of my
family members. I had my own life! Oh my gosh!
Holidays can
bring up SO many feelings. They can be a roller coaster of ups and
downs. Thank goodness we have Focusing! For those of you celebrating
holidays in the next week, I have a blessing for you.
May you always know that your body is right here, ready to help you into the present.
May you feel the gift, whenever you want it, of resting into your body's support.
May you remember that every feeling that arises is another treasure to explore.
May
you trust that you have no enemies inside, no bad feelings, only parts
of you that need company and contact–which you can give them.
May
you know that you always have company and support no matter what, and
that your inner sense of wisdom and rightness can guide you forward.
And while we're at it… may we have peace on earth not too long from now!
Warmly
Ann