HAVE YOURSELF A VERY MINDFUL CHRISTMAS

In ordinary life we hardly realise that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

T’is the season to be jolly ! To make friends and be merry. We expect gratitude, words of love and comfort. Gifts wrapped with joy, laughter and hope. This has been the tradition for many, one that we often celebrate. The joys of Christmas transcends many religions and brings multitude of families together, an act that is otherwise uncommon.

Over this holiday period we often fall off the scale of genuine gratitude, hope and love. We become selfish, we become envious, we become ungrateful. We expect rather than give, we condemn rather than love. We gossip rather than celebrate. This blog post is not to castigate anyone, or bring on shame and guilt it is a mindful gift to everyone who is willing to have a mindful Christmas.

At Ariana Diaries we’ve been cultivating self-care and living a life full of gratitude and love, we believe the holidays are the best time to continue on with this practice. We will choose to make good choices to enrich our minds, bodies and spirits. We choose to live. You are a miracle! We have put together tips to help you stay relaxed, calm and healthy today and always. xx

1.LET IT GO AND LET IT FLOW

Nothing beats a Christmas song/ carol! The list is endless in every language and musical form. They say music is universal and we agree. Start your day with your favourite song on repeat, try and listen to the words. Hum the tune and dance to the beat. Imagine yourself dancing in front of a world stage, imagine yourself dancing with your favourite person in the whole wide world. Dance, Dance and when you can’t dance walk majestically into owning your space. Remember you are a miracle.

2. TRY MINDFUL EATING

Eat only when you are hungry, when those gentle strings of hunger play to the symphony of your needs. Decorate your plate like an art, choose different colours, shapes and sizes of food. Eat like a Queen, take your time between mouthfuls, savour your food. Give out portions of food to those around you that might not be as privileged. Thank the farmer that grows the vegetables, the nutritionist that shared that recipe, the cook that shared such delicacy with you. Eat with love, for you are a miracle.

3. DE-CLUTTER  YOUR SPACE

Scores of shoes, dozens of bags, a few watches, the list goes on! How many times have you worn that shirt? Does it even fit anymore. Let it go! Release those things that you possess that make you forget that you are mere man endowed with power from within. Practice giving not because you want in return but because, nature commands that we release to grow and develop. Do I see wealth exchanging hands this season? It’s a promise- right? Never forget that you are a miracle!

4. GO WHERE YOU ARE LOVED

It is not a command that you show up at every event to mark the season, go where you are loved, honoured and adored. Surround yourself with people who value and respect you. On the flip side, spend time with those people who otherwise would be lonely this Christmas: the aged, the orphans and the destitute. Through it all , make time for yourself . Make time to do reflections, to write down those things that you are grateful for. Do you have relatives visiting for the holidays, find your calm moments with yourself, your favourite  spot around the house.  You are a miracle.

5.  WRAP UP AND RELAX

What’s your favourite hobby? Catch up on lost time : Bake , read a book , play football, watch a movie, take a nap. Do things with your hands that make you focus on the moment. Our normal routines make us rigid, tough and stiff. Bring out your inner child by doing those things that make you laugh with abandon. Find a quiet time to relax.  This is not a drill , it’s  you creating a lifetime of beauty and peace for you are a miracle.

6. DO  A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS

Everyday this holiday season, do a random act of kindness. This will help make a difference in someone’s life! Donate to charity, help someone carry there bag, help pay a bill, send a note with a kind message, smile at someone , leave a surprise gift for someone, give  up your space in a queue, compliment a stranger. Remember! You are a miracle.

7. DO NOT MAKE GREAT CHANGES TO YOUR ROUTINE

They say moderation in all things , is the secret to living a good life. Do not get lost in Christmas lights! Remember that the holidays are for a time, don’t alter your routines drastically. Listen to your gut, when it says enough drink. Listen to your body when it says- bed time.You do not want to stress your body clock, when in a few days you will have to get back to work, doing what you love and creating a change for humanity. For you are a miracle.

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