A Festive Pause

Sometimes, this time of year can lead us all into a bit of a whirlwind. Trying to achieve an almost impossible list of things to do – all whilst supposedly relaxing next to an open fire, sipping mulled wine with friends, going on meandering winter walks, baking with children, watching festive movies, popping around to see long lost relatives, buying thoughtful gifts and generally spreading joy and magic as we go. The list goes on. We’d need all the magic we can find to achieve it all. 

Wonderful as these things are, this allows very little or no space to pause, gather your thoughts, release any tension that these tasks are creating or release any stress that is building. And our bodies and minds will be feeling it. I therefore invite you to take a moment, sit down, take a long, slow deep breath in and a long, slow deep breath out and let your mind imagine that all of the things on the list, the to-do’s, the worries, the anxieties, the jobs, the socialising, the planning, imagine how they all have their own weight hanging off every part of you, and how heavy this feels. 

Now imagine, a whole team of elves coming in to wherever you are, smiling and eager and they all take hold of each and every one of those weights for you, really imagine how that feels. Feel the instant lightness in your body and your mind, the weightlessness. Close your eyes and enjoy this for a moment. 

With this lightness, perhaps move your body a little, even in your seat. Breathe. Feel the moment of space and freedom. Stay here as long as you like… The elves are in no rush to go. 

Repeat this gift to yourself as often as you need over the next few weeks.