Overcome the Christmas blues with love for yourself and others
Amidst all the festivities, it’s estimated that a large percentage of us have the “Christmas blues”—sadness and stress that can be hard to shake. Showing love and compassion for ourselves and others can help overcome the inevitable disappointments caused by societal expectations, family dynamics, and financial concerns.
The heart chakra is the seat of love and compassion. It is the season of forgiveness, the best gift you can give yourself, your family and friends. Use this HEART CHAKRA MEDITATION to move towards this goal…
Breathe in and out a beautiful emerald green in the center of your chest, the home of the heart chakra, with love, joy and compassion for other people and yourself. Feel any tension blocking the flow here, closing off or excluding love. Whatever anger or fear has passed, it can be healed. When you let go, you will feel your true essence of love and joy. To send forgiveness, surround those who have caused you pain in the bright green light, cleansing and healing the situation. Free yourself and them of any negative connection, keeping only the good. Let go of anger to make room for love to grow. Now, with love and compassion, enfold yourself and your entire life experience in healing green light.
Spread the love. Don’t expect a duplicate of an ideal vacation from years past. Changes like divorce, death of a loved one, or distance from family and friends can cause depression. So create new traditions, fill your calendar with fun events and meet new people. Don’t wait for others to include you in their holiday parties – invite those without families to a potluck at your home.
Strengthen your mood through movement and music. Exercise (yoga, walk, run) to beat depression, move to music that lifts your spirits. Try to get at least 20 minutes of sunlight a day to combat any chemical causes of the Christmas funk. Exercise your mind too – read inspiring stories about those who have overcome adversity and found success. May I suggest The Chakra Diaries?
Express your gratitude. Count your blessings, taking stock of all the positive aspects of your life. It will quickly brighten your mood. Ask yourself what you are most grateful for and to whom you are most grateful. So tell them if you can.
Give of yourself. Helping others is the best antidote to seasonal blues and self-pity. Volunteer at a local charity, homeless shelter, hospital, or nursing home. Make another person smile and, in the end, it will be you who smiles.
The Dalai Lama recently wrote: “In my own experience, the highest level of inner calm comes from developing love and compassion. The more we care about the happiness of others, the more we increase our own well-being. Kindness and warmth toward others allows us to relax and helps us dispel any feelings of fear or insecurity so that we can overcome whatever obstacles we face.”