Shifting Perspectives: Holiday Edition 2017

With the end of the year approaching and a “to do” list preparing for the holidays, I am inspired to touch on mindfulness!

Why might improving our mindfulness be a good thing? Well, research indicates that people spend 47% of their day thinking about something other than what they were doing¹. Now THAT is a revealing statistic!  

So, what does mindfulness really mean? It is about being in control over what we pay attention to, being able to notice new things, and being more in the present so we experience a more meaningful “Now”.

Being mindful and present for family, loved ones, and those in need is the essence of the holidays. But let’s face it, keeping up with all the demands of the season can make it feel like we are being flung off the back of a treadmill.  

To me, mindfulness is the antidote to stress and the negative thought loops that can sneak up and seize control of our thoughts and actions – like when you face an overloaded schedule or have to muster through family politics.   

So, what can we each do to be more mindful – to help decrease the speed of the treadmill? The answer is to take time during our very busy day to stop what we are doing and just BREATHE!

You might be thinking… “Breathe?… I’ve got that covered”. But I think we all need that reminder to hit the pause button and shift our focus. It is amazing how it can help put things into perspective. It only takes a minute or two and it can make all the difference.

The ‘Just a Minute’ Meditation

Take time to practice the ‘Just a Minute’ Meditation drill over the holidays and see if it makes a difference for you. Here is how it works:

• Throughout the day, whether at the office, at home, or parked in your car – close your eyes, sit upright, and just focus on your breathing;
• As thoughts try to creep in and take over (How am I ever going to get everything done?) just return to focus on your breathing;
• Inhale quietly to the count of four, hold your breath for a count of seven, then exhale for a count of eight;
• Repeat for at least one minute – or longer if time permits.

The results will be subtle at first, but its benefits will grow the more often you do it. Guaranteed!

¹ S. Bradt, Wandering Mind Not a Happy Mind, Harvard Gazette, November 2010

Wishing You a Merry and Mindful Holiday Season!

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