When I was a kid, I LOVED having an advent calendar during the holidays. We always had the European ones that show a German village with snow-covered cottages full of people peering out their windows at the children and animals frolicking in the streets.
What fun it was to count down the days to Christmas by finding the number for that day and seeing what little surprise was behind it! A cat! Some chickens! A candle! A Christmas wreath!
It was a perfect accompaniment to making ornaments, decorating a tree, and riding around to see all the houses lit up for the season—a few of my favorite holiday memories.
And, of course, each day I opened one of the advent calendar flaps brought me closer to the day when Santa would come down the chimney and leave me a stroller for my dolls, some new art supplies, or as I got older, some acid wash jeans and the latest Aerosmith CD.
Now, as an adult and a yoga practitioner, I’m using the calendar in a little bit different way.
Instead of counting away the days until Christmas, I’m using each little window to help me anchor into the present and really drink in what’s behind it, much as each moment in a posture gives you windows for looking inside and finding joy within yourself.
On the calendar:
An owl in the chimney? Hooo. A small gift wrapped up with a bow? Beautiful. A milk bucket full of flowers? Such simple pleasures.
In you:
A long spine full of space? What relief! An open chest and heart? Almost nothing better. A calm and happy mind? Priceless.
When you practice yoga beyond the postures, you’re not just exercising. You’re finding a way to peep through the windows to find delight and liberation within you.
Yet the holidays are a time when it’s easy to let go of your wellness practices for the sake of the shopping, the decorating, or the baking. Even though many holiday gatherings and events won’t be happening this year, it’s not hard to get so busy that you delay your enjoyment of the season. With the way this year has gone, it’s easy to let your sadness and fear get the best of you, especially when you’re suffering, like so many people are these days.
But…
…if there’s one thing 2020 has reinforced in me, it’s that you can’t wait for things to get “back to normal” to take care of yourself and to find joy.
Whether it’s the holidays or not, it doesn’t help anyone for you to hold off on your happiness until you finish your to do list, wrap all the presents, light all the candles, save the planet, wear a certain size, or fill-in-the-blank.
You could wait, but why would you?
I know it sometimes feels like easier said than done. I’m not perfect at this, and I have my share of struggles, too, pandemic or not.
The ancient yogic texts tell us that we have a choice. There’s no need to wait, because joy and freedom are available within you at any moment.
All you need to do is choose to open the window and start peeping inside.
Speak Your Truth
What helps you stay present and find joy? What challenges are you struggling with this holiday season? What are your favorite ways for looking inside yourself? Let me know in the comments!
In wellness, joy, and inspiration,
Tami