Let's Create A Holiday Season That Feels…Softer
I am composing the first draft of this post on election day, November 8th. There's currently a full moon and eclipse in Taurus, and the energy is big. Scattered. Expectant. Heavy. Hopeful.
Those adjectives also match my feelings towards recent turbulent months, and I suspect there’s a high probability you feel them, too. And now, as the official holiday season approaches, I’m wondering which practices will benefit me the most as the year comes to a close. Will I spend more time on my yoga mat? Hopefully. Practice daily self-Reiki? Usually. Breathe? Ideally.
But there’s one practice I’m holding to this holiday season, and while I accept your groans and eye-rolls, I’m going to say it, anyway…
gratitude
I’m not naming gratitude to follow the trend or even because of the (sordid) history of Thanksgiving. I’m committing to a daily gratitude practice because it’s one of the five Reiki precepts — a principle identified by Reiki Master Mikao Usui as essential to wellbeing.
To recap, the five Reiki principles — the Gokai — are simple. They’re so simple, they’re deceptively complex. Let’s review them:
Just for today,
I will not anger
I will not worry
I will do my work honestly
I will show kindness to every living thing
I will be grateful
When I teach Reiki or examine the Gokai with others, people often share that the last precept — a daily gratitude practice — has the most personal impact. “Gratitude” is the resounding choice if there was a “pick just one” because it solves any conflict around the other four principles.
Let’s acknowledge that some days, situations, or events feel so horrifying that we have to dig deep to rustle up gratitude. Today, even as election results come in, I feel frustrated seeing basic human rights at risk. So, I practice:
“I’m scared about election season.”
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“I’m thankful for my vote and am inspired by others doing the same.”
I still try to honor all my emotions, so a gratitude practice doesn’t eradicate my feelings. Rather, when I presence gratitude, roadblocks to my joy — like anger and worry — ease. Ease allows me to incorporate more empathy into my thoughts, interactions, and relationships.
It’s hard to be worried about the future if I’m thankful in the present moment.
Gratitude Journal
To inspire daily gratitude, I created gratitude-centered journal prompts. You can reflect on a few or all — they’re written to help you meditate on what you’re truly thankful for and inspire a holiday season that’s aligned and rooted in empathy and gratitude.
What am I grateful for today, at this very moment? You. Truly, YOU. If you see this journal and take the time to read it, my heart is full of joy. I hope you find the monthly themes and gifts illuminating, helpful, and inspiring. I’m always open to topic recommendations and ideas, so know you can always reach out.