B127: How to keep calm during the holidays (guided visualization)

Time for a guided visualization exercise: I want to simplify how to keep calm during the holidays. It’s so easy to get caught up in the frenzy at this time of year. It feels like things are cranked to 11 no matter where you go, that it’s certainly counter-cultural to buck the system and to do something different. Remain calm, do less, stay present in the moment and choose a better way.

Therefore, I’ve chosen the theme of CALM for the month ahead. That will be our focus for all episodes on the podcast this month. By tuning in, let’s intentionally slow down this month and focus inward

 So to kick off the month, today is another guided visualization episode, which we’ve decided to release on the first Tuesday of every month this season. How does it work? Simple! Let my voice be a guide for you as you focus inward to help you tap into your inner wisdom and Intuition for answers.

Listen and participate in a guided visualization exercise: how to keep calm during the holidays.

Before we get started, here are a few things that you’ll need to do in order to get the most out of this.

1) Create a safe space – no distractions or interruptions

First off, you’ll need to create a safe space where you won’t be distracted or interrupted… and also, keep in mind that during this exercise, you’ll have your eyes closed. So yeah, probably not best to do this one while driving. 

Silence your phone notifications… The world can wait for the next few minutes.

Then, get comfortable in a seated position or lying down, if that feels better. You get to decide. As with all visualization and breathing exercises we do together this year, you always get to decide what is best for you… take what you need, bless and release the rest.

Okay, now close your eyes or avert your gaze to the ground.

2) Take 3 intentional breaths together with me

Let’s take three intentional, life-affirming breaths.

• Deep breath in through the nose, expand the belly, hold at the top, and then slowly release through the mouth. (Do this three times.)

Now, let your breathing come back to a normal pace, whatever feels right for you.

3) Do a body scan and feel your feet

It’s time to do a body scan… imagine you are slowly scanning your entire body from the tip top of your head, slowly down like molasses, all the way to your fingertips, and then to your toes. 

What sensations do you feel? Knots, sore spots or sourness… or on the flip side, any feelings of harmony, joy, or flow…. just notice what you feel in your body, without judgment or trying to fix it. Just scan down, ever so slowly until you’ve done your entire body.

Once you’re at your feet, really take notice of what it feels like to have your feet make contact with the ground. To be firmly rooted down, the safety and security of that sensation. What do your feet feel like right now?

4) Time to visualize and learn how to keep calm during the holidays

I want you to imagine you’re floating in a warm pool of water. Everything is calm, you are at peace and the night sky is sparkling above.

Without a care in the world, you find yourself in a moment trapped in time where nothing else matters but this. This feeling, this sensation. 

This is the calm you’ve been searching for.

Breathe.

In your peripheral vision, you notice another person floating by… in a deep state of gentle rest and relaxation. You do not worry yourself about them. 

You let them float on by.

Breathe.

You also notice something making a ripple in the distance. Again, you find that when you focus inward, you find your true balance. No matter what is happening over there, it does not concern you. 

You let them make their ripples and you float on by.

Breathe.

It feels so good to just float here in this space. To slow down and feel the sensations wash over your entire body. To remember what connection truly feels like, both internally and with others. 

Take this last moment to say thank you with your full spirit and remember that you can revisit this gift any time you wish. It’s yours forever and ever.

You are never alone and you are always fully supported.

Take a moment to gather yourself with a deep, belly-filling breath. And when you’re ready, open your eyes.

—————–

So, how did it feel to float like that and focus on remaining calm?

I want you to set a 7-minute timer, grab a pen and paper, and take this time to write down everything you remember from this visualization exercise. 

• What wisdom was shared? 
• What visual clues did you see? 
• What part of this exercise is sticking MOST in your mind and in your heart, that you can’t seem to shake?
• …and what’s one thing that you can do today (with courage and simplicity) to take action on this vision, in real life?

One final whisper

When we focus on calm, we are consciously choosing to not participate in the frenzy. I find it’s a daily choice and sometimes I forget and get caught up in it.

But remember you’ve got the power to rise above. To choose to not engage. 

To gracefully say no and float on by.

Don’t let anyone or any situation try to convince you otherwise. You can still operate in a stressful situation and remember the tools you’ve learned all year long that help you come back to center, simplify, and thrive.

I hope this visualization sticks with you the entire week through. Do it again and again if you need clarity or fresh ideas to help your spirit feel refreshed once again… because when you tap into your deep inner knowing, you’re accessing the Divine. That electric energy that can be found inside all of us that connects us all together. It knows. You know. We all know if we are brave and we open ourselves to it.

You can do this, I believe in you.

It’s time to SIMPLIFY.