Monthly Archives: December 2011

A mindful holiday

As the holiday season approaches, here are a few mindful tips from MARC:
 
1. Remember to pause
Bring more enjoyment to the holiday frenzy with moments of stillness. This can mean taking a mindful breath when you’re most frazzled or being extra vigilant to keep your daily mindfulness practice alive this month. Or attend a retreat (like our
Dec. 10 Day of Mindfulness)- a great escape from holiday madness. 

 

2. Connect with others
One of the greatest gifts you can give another person is your presence. Make a commitment to listen wholeheartedly – without interrupting – to a loved one this holiday season.

3. Supplement presents with presence
In the spirit of connecting- do we need another “thing” or might we consider other ways of giving gifts? Try the gift of spending  quality time through an experience rather than an item, or volunteer with your whole family.

4. Be gentle with yourself
 Remember, “Under stress we regress.” So if you see yourself acting like a teenager when visiting family for the holidays, take a breath, relax, and know whatever is happening now will likely change. Forgive yourself to the best of your ability.

5. Practice gratitude.
Research show that happy people are more connected to gratitude. Make a gratitude list or spend five minutes in meditation reflecting on what you are grateful for.

Have a happy, mindful holiday 
UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center

“Growth can stem from the most surprising places”

R. M. Andrews & Associates LLC
Marc Andrews LCSW, DCSW, MS
President Elect, National Association of Social Workers Oregon
Counseling & Clinical Supervision

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