I’m feeling a bit rebellious these days. Not in a Scrooge kind of way as I truly love the holiday season, but giving myself permission to linger in moments of norm like the hustle and bustle of my boy on the basketball court or retracing the curve of a cursive capital “G” for my girl. Maybe it’s a way of balancing my emotions and keeping memories at bay, or a way of grounding myself in truths that remain long after I’ve boxed up the sparkly ornaments, happy family portraits, and faux garland. I feel this urge to remain centered during this “most wonderful time of the year” and to keep my footing on what’s true in the midst of so much hype and commotion. The level of intensity doesn’t last. I study their moves and anticipate the contrast of pause.
How do you keep your footing?
Love that you're still 'in' the everyday ordinariness of life. I find my ground by simply allowing myself to be right there in the center:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/home/2011/12/11/if-i-would.html
my cats help me to keep my footing. taking care of them is a daily routine I do all year, that allows me to focus on what is real. also, our Xmas only really happens the 24th Eve. people are cutting budget everywhere and there are little decorations through out the city. I guess the question for me should be how do I keep the season spirit
Seeing Christmas through my 5 year olds eyes, recognizing how very long it really is until Christmas morning for him, keeps things in perspective and lengthens the season for me. And of course, having the everyday routine in our lives ongoing regardless of anything else in the world… all our little rituals… make our everyday strong and true.
This is such an important thing to do, Stephanie. After all, the holidays are really only a small portion of the big picture. I take time for a good hot cuppa … okay, and maybe a cookie … to keep myself centered … all year round.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/48337138@N04/6380193295/
I love this post. Thanks!
I find I have to make time to get outside by myself for a few minutes. Fresh air and hearing myself think.
http://journeyleaf.typepad.com/journeyleaf/2011/12/silent-saturday-december-10-2011.html
Journaling and working with my photos helps to keep me centered!
http://kateyestudio.com/2011/12/window-to-the-heart.html
So timely Stephanie, I'm feeling the crush of the hustle and bustle, but this post reminds me to breathe.
My morning meditation helps keep me grounded, and I think I will take an afternoon meditation today as well.
Reveling in the moments also keeps me grounded, like yesterday when My wife and I made cookies.
http://www.spyrosheniadis.com/2011/20111211-cookies
Sometimes the way to keep ones footing is to lift ones feet ;>}
http://sweetpeapath.blogspot.com/2011/12/keeping-spirits-bright.html
honestly…it's day by day during this crazy busy season. this evening i saw this while on my way to the bus and these words have been on my mind since…so simple and yet powerful…and perhaps a path to peace and some footing, in the midst of it all.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59203832@N07/6503629491/in/photostream
What put the "whole population of Paris in commotion," as Jehan de Troyes expresses it, on the sixth of January, was the double solemnity, united from time immemorial, of the Epiphany and the Feast of Fools.http://www.digbbc.com
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