Take a pause.
During Christmas, we often take care of family and friends, often forgetting and overlooking ourselves. Perhaps at this time of the year, we could expand our circle of care to include ourselves, recognising that we too need care and compassion.
I would like to invite you to consider taking a pause in the merry go round of Christmas activities by becoming aware of your breathing.
Just noticing the physical sensations of breathing in, and out.
After mindfully focusing on the breath for a few minutes, I would again like to invite you to gently check in with yourself by asking, ”What do I actually need right now to support myself through the next moment and through the Christmas period?”
Having just paused and bought mindfulness and compassion to this moment, here is a poem to support you in your a few poems follow to support you in your practice and reflections.
Just For Now, by Danna Faulds
Without asking how to let yourself sink into stillness.
Just for now, lay down the weight
You so patiently bear upon your shoulders.
Feel the earth receive you,
And the infinite expanse of the sky grow even wider,
as your awareness reaches up to meet it.
Just for now,
Allow a wave of breath to enliven your experience.
Breathe out whatever blocks you from the truth.
Just for now,
Be boundless, free, with awakened energy tingling in your hands and feet.
Drink in the possibility
Of being who and what you really are –
So fully alive that the world looks different,
Newly born and vibrant, just for now.
