What if part of you doesn’t feel ready to face others this holiday (tip: Use this mantra to help ease & open your heart)
Dear Ones,
Here we are, a few days before Thanksgiving. Do you feel ready? Or are parts of you dreading the holiday gathering? It may have been a hard year for you. It’s normal to have parts that aren’t feeling ready to face others if:
you’re facing a loss or you’re feeling grief
you’ve got a complicated (read= dysfunctional) family
you don’t like where your life is and don’t want to field questions from others
you’re battling illness
Or any other reason…
Feeling obligated to gather with friends or family does not feel great. Maybe you do want to gather but you still have heaviness in your heart for a myriad of reasons. If so, I have a mantra which can help you be ready for whomever you see. This mantra can ease your own heart and help you feel lighter wherever you go this holiday. You’re gonna feel better by taking a few minutes to practice this throughout the day. Trust me, it helps.
In advance of the gathering, say these words of Loving-kindness for yourself:
Repeat the mantra a few times, using your breath to help you incorporate this into your whole system. Breathe slowly as you repeat each line. Breathe some more.
This 4-part mantra/blessing helps you prepare your own heart to be feeling safe and cared for, by the Love Energy that already exists in you. It’s a way to befriend your parts, letting them know that you are there for each part that might have some feelings about where you’re going this holiday & for who you are seeing. Also, if you’re unsure about how long you can stay at any gathering, know it’s okay to say “I can stay a short time” and then give yourself permission to be gentle with your feelings & go when you need to. The kinder you are with your self, the more you will feel safe around others. Your heart energy will be felt.
Repeat the mantra to yourself a few times… then as you feel safer and more at ease, offer this blessing to someone you truly care about. Think about how you want them to feel these blessings. Over the next few days, use the mantra and say:
Just as before, repeat the mantra a few times, letting your heart be open to peace coming to this person you care about. Now, offer this blessing to the people you are planning to see this holiday. In advance of going, use the mantra and say:
I know from experience that using these mantras helps me open my heart. I feel grounded and safe. I feel ready to be compassionate with others. May the same be true for you as you ready for the holidays.
Peace & namaste-
Heidi
P.S.Thank you for your kind support of my counseling practice at FeelPeaceNow.
I’m grateful you turn to me when you need some guidance, some help with learning how to navigate your marriage, your relationships, your life. I am deeply honored that you share your personal stories and feelings with me and that you send me referrals for those you care about.
I’ve been doing this work for 35+ years now and I still love the work I get to do each day. In the past 3 years I’ve attended advanced trainings for Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and have happily added that to my offerings with great success. More and more I see my clients healing past sorrows and making peace with the past, so they feel more freedom and joy in their lives. I want that for you too.
When you work with me, you are working with a life long learner and seeker. And someone who lives what she teaches.
If I have not seen you in a while, I hope you will continue to update me on your life, and I hope you will call me anytime you need a “tune up” or want to ask me anything. I am here for you. Please, reply to this email with a brief update on how you are. Or even a heart emoji! 💛
May you have a beautiful Thanksgiving. Giving thanks doesn't have to just be this week. When you notice, on a daily basis, what you love and appreciate about life, this daily noticing helps your heart focus on what is working well in your life.
Please join me in giving thanks. It will make your heart happy. 💖
May you be safe, May you be happy, May you be healthy and May you dwell in peace
