Holiday Self-Regulation
Dear Friend,
For many, December is a month of reflection, celebration, and joy. However, it is also a time of the year when it is easy to become overwhelmed, disregard boundaries, fall into a state of dysregulation, and feel as though we are set adrift.
The poet Mark Nepo speaks to this paradox. In his piece titled “Adrift”, he writes:
Everything is beautiful and I am so sad.
This is how the heart makes a duet of wonder and grief.
The light spraying through the lace of the fern is as delicate as the fibers of memory forming their web around the knot in my throat.
The breeze makes the birds move from branch to branch as this ache makes me look for those I’ve lost in the next room, in the next song, in the laugh of a stranger. In the very center, under it all, what we have that no one can take away and all that we’ve lost face each other.
It is there that I’m adrift, feeling punctured by a holiness that exists inside everything. I am sad and everything is beautiful.
It is common to experience coexistence within our thoughts and emotions. Having tools to guide you through these waves, especially when it’s tough to go with the flow, is crucial. What self-care tools do you use when you feel adrift? Do you pause to breathe consciously? Do you practice self-awareness and allow yourself to observe without judgment? Do you tune in to your mind and body and understand your needs?
Let’s practice together.
Breathwork Activity of the Week
Breathwork for Self-Regulation – Good Morning Stretch
Our breathwork practice sets the tone of our day, our mindset, and how we see and experience the world. Breathing taps us into our bodies energetically to become efficient throughout the day. It asks us to check in with ourselves to make good choices. A morning wake-up practice, or a “Good Morning Stretch,” can gently awaken the mind and body from slumber, making us more awake, alert, and ready to embrace our day.
The next time you awaken, practice Belly Breath following these simple steps:
- Lie flat on your back
- Place your right hand on your abdomen
- Inhale, allow your hand and belly to rise up high
- Exhale, and allow your hand and belly to fall and hollow out
- Repeat for three rounds
Movement Activity of the Week
Mountain
Standing in Mountain with focused concentration and breath fosters clarity and a serene mind. Mountain energizes the body by activating the flow of energy, which can alleviate feelings of anxiety and overwhelm and aid in developing a mind-body connection and inner awareness.
