Column: Be Well During the Holidays

It’s happening, already. You have probably seen them.....in every store....Christmas decorations! Every year it happens: Halloween and Thanksgiving are way-sided by Christmas displays. Here are a few suggestions for how to overcome the anxiety resulting from the displays that are distracting our attention.

No One Can Make You Do Anything

As a school counselor, this was my motto. My favorite moment in any session would be when a student would say, “She/he/they made me. . .” I would pause and then look at the student and say something like, “Describe to me how.” After a few attempts at explaining, they would inevitably come to the conclusion that, ultimately, they chose to behave the way they did.

As the pressure of the holidays begins to mount remember that you are the only one in control of yourself. Don’t allow the sparkly lights, shiny colors and pretty displays distract you. Take your time and enjoy the moments and time between the holidays. Reflect upon the wonder that each creates and what you love most.

Be Present

The best advice I was ever given was for my wedding day. I give the same advice to every bride I meet: eat the food, dance to the music and step back every once in a while to observe. Ferris Bueller knew what he was talking about. Life moves pretty fast. As we age and the percentage of time we’ve spent on earth becomes longer each day, month and year feels shorter.

Yoga teaches us to focus upon one thing at a time (Dharana). The more we do so, the less we are distracted by that which is unimportant. To be present is both to make the time to step back and observe; to watch everyone enjoying the holiday feels, as well as to sit down among those you love and enjoy simply being together.

Focus Upon Yourself

There is a story about a student who comes to the teacher wishing to learn, but having already developed ideas about what will be learned. The teacher explains that the student cannot learn because their cup is already full. Like a teacup that already has tea in it, the student already had ideas about learning. Therefore, they had no room for more.

When you fill yourself up with stress, worry, concern, anxiety, etc. there is no room left for fun, love, relaxation or even yourself. What helps you to relax? A cup of tea, a glass of wine, petting your cat, sitting by the pool or upon your sofa are just a few ways to serve yourself. Allow time for yourself so that you can empty your cup.

Spread the Love

Compassion is a very powerful emotion. When shared well, it brings us together. The practice of Karma Yoga is defined as “the Yoga of action.” The removal of Karma begins when we apply our skills in ways that serve others without expecting anything in return. It is our intention to spread love that removes Karma.

When we are in service to others it gives us purpose, fuels our passions and brings us together with those whom we would otherwise never meet. Choose a simple, accessible and fun way to volunteer your time, energy and talents this season. Spread the love and help to create more.

Local Organizations that can use your help:
CASA https://www.casaeldorado.org/
Big Brothers Big Sisters http://www.bbbs-edc.org/
Keep Tahoe Blue https://www.keeptahoeblue.org/our-work/volunteer
And more can be found here: https://southtahoenow.com/topics/volunteer

-Namaste’-

Jenay Aiksnoras, B.S. Psychology, M.S. Counseling, ERYT500 has owned Lake Tahoe Yoga LTD since 2008. She has been guiding Yoga practitioners since 2005. She developed and practices a unique therapeutic Yoga technique called Realignment Coaching that brings together the practices of Yoga, Ayruveda and Counseling. She has guided practitioners to prevent injury and heal from many physical and mental health needs.