The holiday season is here and the currents of life are rapidly moving us forward. With all the activity, travel, company, shopping, cooking, and preparing, I want to offer some practices for staying grounded, connected within, and open to Spirit. These practices can also help those who find themselves alone, in grief, or lonely.

PRAYER

Prayer is communication with God/Spirit/Source. There is no right or wrong way to pray, but I do find praying out loud to be more powerful. I begin with authentic, honest expression of what I’m feeling or praying about, just as I would speak to a friend. The emotions are important because speaking words from the mind is like reading a book out loud to God instead of sharing your heart and soul. We connect to Spirit from heart, soul and consciousness.

There is nothing you cannot ask for. If we are One with that which created Us, we have infinite resource to draw from at all times. As the nature of life is responsive, so is Spirit. I highly suggest praying ahead the day before you even get out of bed. Scan your body, mind, heart, soul, emotions, and the agenda of the day and pray for what you need, seek to aspire to, or wish to co-create.

When someone in your life seems to be beyond your ability to help, pray for God to do for them what you cannot. Be fluid, expressive, and reverent. I always close with gratitude for all prayers answered.

CREATE AN ALTAR OR MAKE A NEW ONE

An altar is a designated space for creating an opening to connect with Spirit. Traditional ingredients are: fresh flowers, candle, something that burns like incense or sage, and any objects that invoke spiritual energy, charm, or a sense of wonder.

We place on the altar what we want altered, healed, transformed, or manifested. Loved ones can be placed on an altar, by placing their picture or writing their name. You can make a family altar, personal altar, community altar, or even world altar, placing the intention of your heart’s desire in written word or through the use of symbols or pictures. Once created, I sage it and activate the altar with the gong of a Tibetan healing bowl, then light the candle, burn the incense, and state out loud the meaning of the altar.

The more you engage the space by viewing it, replacing the fresh flowers, or adding to it, the more your mind can release concern as the heart opens in greater trust. An altar can become a portal opening for the physical realm and the non-physical. Never put harmful intention on any altar, as it will most certainly return to you in plenty.

HOT BATHS WITH EPSOM SALTS AND ESSENTIAL OILS

Epsom salt baths relax the nervous system and help to cleanse energies absorbed throughout the day. They improve sleep and, when adding essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, rose, or frankincense, enhance the senses and promote healing energy .

BREATH WORK AND TONING

In a stressful moment, one deep conscious breath with your eyes closed, can release tension immediately. Taking a few moments to breathe in with a focus on receiving what benefits you, and breathe out as you release what doesn’t, circulates life-force energy and helps transmute any inner disturbance.

Toning is also a practice for releasing negativity through the power of sound, your voice. Eyes closed, palms open, choose an emotion you wish to release and sound out Om or Ah on every exhale until you run out of breath. Repeat for several minutes and sit silently with eyes closed afterwards, feeling the vibrations and relief coursing through you.

EARTH CONNECTION

Depending on weather conditions, if you are able to take walks, do it. Be in nature in any way possible. Mother Earth’s energy is so much slower than the pace of our minds, that in Her presence our internal rhythm and timing come forth and we feel better. Imagine a tree with roots going into Her body to receive what they need to grow and flourish, and be that tree. As you walk, let each alternate step be a Thank – You, Thank – You. You will feel Her more, and your moving into gratitude will shift your perspective. If unable to be outside, make a fire, buy fresh flowers, take a sauna, or make things with Her leaves, acorns, branches, or pine cones. Cook foods that come from Her with love and care.

CREATE A GOING-TO-BED RITUAL

If you are in partnership, sit face to face with the palms of your hands on each other’s chest and breathe simultaneously together as you look into each other’s eyes. After, speak words of appreciation, gratitude, recognition, acknowledgment and love to one another. If inclined, pray together.

If doing something on your own, I often suggest writing acknowledgment of yourself in a journal. Recognize every small, medium and large accomplishment you made that day, from the mundane to the extraordinary. Be generous, and only focus on the positive aspects of your achievements. Offer gratitude for all that supported you in that day.

Guided meditation for sleep is another tool I frequently use, choosing one with a focus that supports my needs. Jason Stephenson offers endless sleep meditations on YouTube, and I also listen to Joe Dispenza’s meditations.

SURPRISE SOMEONE WITH A GIFT

Random acts of kindness are powerful. Wrap a little something and leave it in someone’s grocery cart, the doorstep of a neighbor, or on someone’s car – with a note from the Elves and Fairies that this is a special gift just for them, or adding your own words and blessings. Engage your children in making little gifts to disperse together.

Another favorite, is paying for the person behind you in line. Maybe it’s just a coffee, or a meal in a drive-through, but it’s the unexpected gifts that surprise and last in memory. They also inspire others to do the same.

Giving replaces emptiness and loneliness.

FORGIVE SO YOU CAN BE A VESSEL

Forgive yourself and others, and forgive the whole world. It will enable you to stop dragging the past around like rocks in a bag, and allow you to be a clear vessel for higher expression and co-creation. All you have to do is be willing, maintain your intention through rising resentments, and ask for the help you need to sustain your efforts.

May you free yourself this season, to create holidays that speak to your heart, whether traditional or non-traditional. And may we all intend to live in higher consciousness, respectful of ourselves and one another, with a willingness to be of service.

Love to All!