Rediscovering the Holiday Spirit: Embracing Rest, Reflection, and Rejuvenation

As the hot weather ushers in the holiday season for some, others might postpone their preparations until the last minute. Eventually, though, we all get swept up in a whirlwind of joyful festivities—end-of-year parties, bonuses, secret Santa, and potlucks that, while fun, can be exhausting. We travel far to be with family, spend hours in the kitchen, indulge, and find temporary merry moments for our souls. 

Amidst all the holiday bustle, it's vital to remember that beyond the mulled cider and shopping rush lies an opportunity to rest, rejuvenate, and recharge. The festive season beckons us to pause, reflecting on the year gone by and relishing the restorative essence of the holidays. Rest allows us to let go, trusting that things will be okay even when we're not working. Prioritizing ourselves for rejuvenation and resetting is crucial. So this year, I invite you to embrace some rest, slow down, and rediscover the wonder and joy of the Christmas season amid your favorite traditions.

As we journey through the remaining days of 2023, let's practice rest using the acronym R.E.S.T:

Repair: Just as a broken object can be repaired, the holiday season offers a chance to mend mental and emotional wounds or strained relationships. It's an opportunity to reconcile, heal, and rebuild bridges, resulting in cerebral repair and growth within ourselves.

Embrace change: Similar to renovating a space, the holidays provide a backdrop for self-improvement. We can renovate our habits, perspectives, and attitudes, embracing change and nurturing personal development.

Seek stillness: Like restoring a cherished heirloom, the holidays allow moments for inner restoration. It's a time to reconnect with our values, recharge our spirits, and reclaim a sense of peace and balance, enhancing our inner peace and well-being. 

Trust: Finally, the holidays offer an opportunity to cultivate self-trust which manifests as self-confidence and belief in one's abilities and decisions. Trusting ourselves means having faith in our judgment, values, and instincts, fostering a sense of self-assurance and inner strength. Trust extends to finding a sense of alignment within our inner world—a harmony between our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Trusting that our beliefs and actions are in coherence, contributes to a sense of inner peace and authenticity. This internal trust forms the foundation for our confidence, resilience, and emotional stability, influencing our interactions with the world and the quality of our experiences.

Much like a physical journey, the holiday period is an inner exploration—an opportunity to understand our thoughts, emotions, motivations, and aspirations. It encourages us to embark on an inner journey, exploring our inner being, memories, and desires. 

Traveling often means being present in the moment, and appreciating the beauty around us. Similarly, during the holidays, we can practice mindfulness, cherishing simple pleasures—the laughter of loved ones, the beauty of traditions, or the warmth of shared experiences.

Travel also brings discovery and serenity. Likewise, the holiday season encourages us to discover inner peace by detaching from chaos, embracing relaxation, and focusing on tranquility within ourselves. So this holiday season, don’t forget to R.E.S.T.

To my fellow southern ‘hemispherians’, enjoy the sun, iced ciders, and 'shrimp on the barbie.' To the northern folks, sympathies about the weather, but relish the hot chocolates and cookies.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!