Friday, December 25, 2009

Oh, The Holidays

Happy Holidays, everyone! I love this time of year. The twinkle lights, the smell of fireplaces, and mmmm yes, the sweets! I really appreciate the thoughtful holiday/New Year's wishes and generosity of my clients and friends - as well as my daily encountering acquaitances. No matter what religion or backround that we all come from the hugs were bountiful! It's a shame that the whole world doesn't revolve around this unconditional love on a daily basis. Peace and love to all. Now, let's talk Relaxation & Recreation during the holidays. It is extremely important to be practice mindfulness and find some time during each week, if not each day, to experience stillness. Too often people become tired, depressed, stressed, or ill because they are often working too intensively for long periods of time without finding comfort in their downtime. Interestingly, according to Buddist tradition there are six qualities (or virtues) a person should have if he/she is to lead a healthy life. These are patience, optimism, generosity, wisdom, discipline, and stillness. The most beneficial of these is stillness. There are strong therapeutic effects if you practise being still. Calmness, creativity, balance, greater breath and awareness to name a few. Also, when the mind is clear and calm healthier choices are made. One is able to easily transition into the next phase of their day or evening once stillness is experienced. The days off during the holidays are an ideal time to experience this stillness by unwinding and perhaps exchange a relaxing foot treatment with a partner or family member. Set the mood, change into some loose and comfortable clothing, perhaps even take a long hot aromatherapy bath first. Sit within a comfortable space in a relaxing position. Breathe deeply and slowly. Feel the tension leaving your body with every exhalation. When you feel that your mind is clear, try to focus on a relaxing picture such as a single flower or perhaps just the space between your eyes. Allow the gentle touch on your feet to cradle you in your stillness. Be aware of how calm you are. Now, hopefully, you have the energy to return the favor! (Just not on an extremely full tummy, please!!) Enjoy each moment with your family and friends, or simply time on your own. Breathe and blossom, Melissa

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

April 1st and spring is in the air. I always find it amazing how the turn of the season has it's effect on people. The days are longer and the sun is warming up our faces as we start and end our busy days at work. Smiles cross the faces of those whose gaze was down for those long 4 months of the cold windy winter and a spring is in our step as the days grow longer. Today, I was reminded of what it felt like to be a kid again. Remember the days of returning to school after March break and how energized we were knowing that spring was around the corner? Then, when April 1st turned the calendar, so did the practical jokes. We pulled them on everyone including our teachers, parents, friends, and siblings. Now, my co-workers were going all-out on each other and the texts were flying out in the air waves as jokes and schemes played on our most childish naivete. I was privy to one of those such pranks by a friend. I felt so foolish but the playfulness was enticing!! I then turned around and did it to my mother - and boy did she ever fall hard! When I told her that it was just an "April Fools" joke, we burst out in the most belly-aching laughter that brought tears to our eyes! IT FELT SO GOOD! We then reminisced of the days when my brother and I were young and how my Dad would even get in on it! The house was full of laughter and life took on such a light and playful air. My tip of the day/month is enjoy each ray of sunshine and fill your lungs with laughter. Your mind, body and soul with thank you and so will those around you. xo Melissa Breathe and blossom