Studio Files .03
Happy Presence (and things to eat)
Happy Holidays lovelies!
No matter how or what you are celebrating this week, I have one simple wish for us all.
My one wish for us this week is to be present.
To be fully engaged in the moment happening, now, right here in front of us.
To not look forward in anticipation / worry / longing for the next meal / party / gift / nap.
To quiet the must-dos, what ifs, should I, where is, constant internal chatter that robs us of the gift of NOW.
In the midst of the cooking of the food, the opening of the gifts, the hugging of your people, the making of the magic - let us remember to return to the present moment, again and again.
Harder said than done, on most days, and especially in the hurry-flurry of the holiday season, but I believe in us.
A few ways I’ll be practicing mindfulness + presence this season:
Morning stillness. On the advice of a friend, I’ve recently simplified my morning meditation practice to 10 deep, slow breaths, while still in bed. I place one hand on my heart and one on my belly and ask for simple guidance as I ease into my day.
Keeping an eye on my energy levels and needs throughout the day. As an introvert, who LOVES the holidays and hosting, I need to retreat often. A few moments, alone, can help me recharge to stay present for the festivities.
Practicing the 5-4-3-2-1 of presence. If I find my mind floating away, I’ll bring myself back to my surroundings with this simple + quick practice of noticing. To practice, you simply list five things you can see, four you can feel, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste in the moment.
The strength of our presence is what people will truly remember about us, especially at a holiday season. The gifts, food, decor, ALL the things we spend our energy on - but what matters MOST is the power in our connections, the authenticity in our interactions, the way we engage, mindfully, in each moment.
THE MOST PRECIOUS GIFT WE CAN OFFER OTHERS IS OUR PRESENCE. WHEN MINDFULNESS EMBRACES THOSE WE LOVE, THEY WILL BLOOM LIKE FLOWERS - Thich Nhat Hahn
Some things I’m looking forward to making / eating in the weeks ahead:
We’re hosting Christmas dinner this year, and I’m looking forward to serving this lasagna. We did a trial run a few weeks ago and it is delish!
Chex Mix was a Christmas tradition growing up in my house, and I’m looking forward to making it myself this year.
My daughter and I had a salty + sweet chocolate chip cookie years ago, complete with pretzels and potato chips on top. We’ve been dreaming of recreating and this looks like a good place to start.
This pomegranate moscow mule is calling my name.
These short ribs might make an appearance for New Year’s if we end up staying in.
Happy Holidays, Merry Everything, so GRATEFUL to have you in this community. Love to hear your best tips for practicing mindfulness in the holiday crazy below.
xx.
Jill
just got the jones road, Jill, thanks for the recommendation. j
Wishing you all full hearts, bellies and imaginations as you celebrate over the next week. That lasagna looks great, Jill; I’ll be doing baked pasta, too. Enjoy!