Gratitude

Everyone wants a quick fix. As a society, we have got used to ‘a pill for each ill’. Maybe you’ve gone on a retreat thinking this is going to change my life, fix my problems, make me feel whole. Instead of simply relaxing and enjoying the experience, we focus on feeling inwardly divided, unwhole and in need of healing.

The holiday season is meant to be a time to relax and enjoy ourselves. But it’s so easy to get swept up into disharmonious emotions: family members who have historically been challenging for you, thinking others are having a better time, worrying that if you aren’t invited/don’t go to something you will miss out, or simply trying to fit too much into an already busy schedule.

As we go into the holidays, I invite you to simply settle in and appreciate all that you have. Try and be the bigger person when that family member pushes your buttons, don’t worry about what others are doing/thinking and accept that you are doing your best and you can’t do it all.

When we do this, we make space for what truly feels good: be grateful for the food, your shelter, for loved ones and for the gift of life. It is precious and short. Be grateful for all that we do have.

For what we are actually seeking is simply a feeling of coherence and presence, and that comes from cultivating the coherent emotions of love, gratitude, appreciation and compassion.

With much love and gratitude, Olivia