Healing Light

A Simple Practice to Prevent Overwhelm

Yesterday’s post All is Calm was about using affirmations to stay peaceful during stressful moments. Today, I’m covering a different technique that uses visualization to keep chaos at bay that can be helpful during the holidays and throughout the year.

The holiday season is a joyful time yet it can be overwhelming and stressful too. Personally, I believe that life in general is this way, but with the gray of winter and the addition of get-togethers, events and holiday shopping to the calendar, the holiday season can amplify challenges. To keep chaos at bay and to enjoy all that the holidays bring, It’s essential to find moments of peace and tranquility, or better yet, teach yourself how to create them.

Below is an outline of a simple yet powerful practice that can help you recenter yourself. All you need is your imagination and a list of joyful moments. This is one of my favorite techniques to release anxiety and reclaim a positive mindset that can be used anywhere, anytime.

The Practice

1. Quiet Reflection: In a quiet moment, take a pen and paper or open a note-taking app on your phone.
2. Joyful Inventory: List at least ten things in your life that you regularly experience and consistently bring you joy. These can be big or small, from significant life events to everyday pleasures. For example, your list might include:
   • Taking a walk in nature, or even simply looking up to see a beautiful blue sky with white fluffy clouds floating by
   • That first sip of your morning coffee or tea
   • Opening up a good book
   • Spending time with loved ones
   • Engaging in a creative hobby like gardening, painting, cooking or crafts
   • Sitting down to a favorite TV show
   • Enjoying a delicious meal
   • Engaging with your pet
   • Witnessing a beautiful sunset
   • Listening to music that you love
   • Looking at the lights on a Christmas tree (for those who celebrate)
3. Keep It Close: Keep this list with you, whether it’s in your wallet, purse, or a digital note on your phone.
4. Allow Yourself to Pause: When you feel the energy around you taking a turn toward anxiety or stress, step away from the chaos.
5. Mindful Reflection: Go to your list, choose one item and focus on it. Close your eyes, activate your imagination and visualize yourself experiencing that moment.
6. Sensory Engagement: Engage your senses in this visualization. If you choose a cup of coffee, imagine the warmth of the mug, the aroma of the coffee, and the taste on your tongue. What sounds do you hear? What color is the mug? Really dig into the sensory experience and find the joy that it brings, the reason you included it on your list.
7. Grounding Breath: Take a deep, calming breath, let the joy of that moment which you regularly experience wash over you and fill you with gratitude. Recenter yourself, step back into a positive mindset and feel the stress and anxiety melt away.

By regularly practicing this simple technique, you can cultivate a sense of calm and peace, even in the most chaotic of times. Remember, it’s okay to take a moment for yourself. By recentering, you’ll be better equipped to handle life’s challenges with grace and resilience.

What practices do you use to keep anxiety at bay? Share in the comments.

Light and Love ❤

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