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Going Within During the Holidays
By Carol Cannon, BBEC
Carol Cannon Group
We are approaching the end of the harvest, traditionally celebrated at Thanksgiving. As we move into December, our days will be shorter, with the shortest day of the year coming at the Winter Solstice, December 22. In the Chinese Five Element theory, we are moving into the element of Water. This symbolizes a time of introspection and a time of inner self-analysis, which is sometimes difficult during the many activities of the holiday season.
Take time now to plan a retreat from the activities of the season to nourish yourself. What do you love to do that costs not a penny? Nature is the number one choice in my plan. Getting out for a walk, alone, provides time for the brain to quiet and recover for meeting with more people. Meditation is another practice that takes different forms. There are ways to meditate that do not require sitting on the floor, repeating a mantra. While this is very effective, for those of you who can’t imagine doing this, here are some other ideas.
- Read a book.
- Plan and cook a healthy meal for yourself, or, for the people that you love and who support you unconditionally.
- Draw, paint, dance
- Jump on a trampoline
- Take a yoga or Pilates class
- Get a massage
- Sing, play an instrument
- Hike, bird watch, walk a labyrinth
- Pet your animal
- Sleep in late
- Swim, sit in a hot tub
- Work on a craft
- Watch a foreign movie
- Go to a concert or play
- Help someone in need
- Create your own idea of what calms you down!
Some adjustments to your surroundings can also help as you go within.
- Buy a water fountain and place it in the north quadrant of your home.
- Clear any clutter – this will allow space for you to breath.
- Move your furniture around to create a supportive environment.
- Look at the artwork on your walls – is it pleasant? Do you have ‘things’ in your space that make you feel on edge? Remove them, and feel the calm it brings.
Toxins in the environment can create an unsettled feeling, too. Use a keen eye on everything that you bring into your space during this time of year. Read labels – are the products you are purchasing natural, organic, raised without harm to animals, people and planet? What are you cleaning with? Are there chemicals in the products you are buying? There are healthy, alternative products increasingly abundant in the marketplace. What are you eating during this time of year? Read “Harvest of Hope”
by Jane Goodall for an eye opening look at the food we eat.
Electromagnetic radiation is another ‘issue’ that, if elevated, can create more stress. Look on the other side of the wall where your bed is located. Are there any large appliances or EMR sources? This could include a refrigerator, stereo, TV, circuit breakers, building electrical power source, laundry facilities, solar power generators, and even anything plugged in on the wall behind your bed. Purchase a meter as simple as the “Dr. Gaussmeter” to test and see if you are at 1 milliGauss or below. Anything above this level has potential to disturb your immune system. If you suspect elevated fields, order a full EMR survey to find out. EMR stress, which may lead to disease, is an easy process to rule out.
Buy recycled, but avoid plastics! While it may seem that you are doing something good for the environment by purchasing recycled plastic, you are, in effect, contributing to the continued production of plastics which is NOT good for us or planet earth.
As you move through this holiday season, be sure to take the time to nourish yourself. Also take time to consider the impact of what you might purchase during this time. It is a season traditionally known for giving – take responsibility for what you give and feel a sense of calm in doing that. Throughout it all, include positive people, healthy products and healthy environments whenever you can. Your contribution to this process will ripple out and affect all around you.
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