Keeping Spirits High During the Holidays by Connecting to Spirit
By Dr. Sheila Patel
The holiday season can be a beautiful time of connection, celebration, and reflection—yet it can also stir a sense of overwhelm as our calendars fill and our energy is pulled in many directions. Ayurveda reminds us that steadiness, presence, and connection to our inner light help us move through this season with grace. When we intentionally anchor ourselves with regular practices, we not only feel more balanced—we also reconnect with Spirit, the deeper source of joy and meaning beneath the activity.
Here are simple practices to keep your spirits high and your heart open, even amid the busyness:
Create Small Moments of Meditation
Short, frequent pauses can be more grounding than long sessions you never get to.
Sit for 3–5 minutes each morning and simply follow your breath.
Let your attention soften into the space of the heart.
Allow yourself to remember that peace is always available, even when life feels full.
Use Breath to Reset Your Energy
Your breath is the most portable tool you have.
Try slow exhalations to calm the nervous system (a 4-count inhale, 6-count exhale).
Take 3 deep breaths before entering a gathering or transitioning to a new task.
Use your breath as a bridge back to the present moment.
Protect Quiet Time—Even in Small Doses
Quiet is nourishment for the mind and spirit.
Schedule small pockets of stillness, like a quiet cup of tea or a short walk.
Turn off notifications for an hour each day.
Give yourself permission to step away from social energy when needed.
Blend What You Love With What You Need to Do
This season can feel like a long list of tasks—so weave joy into what’s already on the agenda.
Listen to music you love while cooking or wrapping gifts.
Invite a friend or family member to join you in an errand and make it meaningful connection time.
Say “yes” to the activities that truly nourish you, and release the pressure of perfection.
Use Affirmations to Recenter Throughout the Day
Gentle reminders can redirect your mind toward clarity and calm. Consider:
I move through this season with ease and presence.
My inner light guides me.
I choose joy, simplicity, and spaciousness.
Practice Gratitude as a Daily Ritual
Gratitude shifts us from stress to expansion.
Name three things you’re grateful for each morning or evening.
Pause during the day to notice small blessings—a warm meal, a conversation, a moment of rest.
Let gratitude become the thread that ties the season together.
When we consciously connect with Spirit—the quiet wisdom within—we rediscover what the holidays are truly about: presence, love, and the light of our own Being. May this season offer you moments of stillness, deep connection, and the joyful recognition of your own inner light.