ATTENTION AT CHRISTMAS

ATTENTION AT CHRISTMAS

Its everywhere this month - blinking lights, seasonal music, signs and advertising. Christmas is the Eldorado for the machine called consumer capitalism. We find ourselves bombarded and bathed in stimulation to get us “in the season”. Whatever your thoughts on the commercialism of the Christian and Jewish celebrations, there’s no denying this is a time of year for over stimulation and over-indulgence. Not much can be more of a challenge to mindful living than this end of year spasm.

For those of us engaged in the process of mindful living, we have some things we can do to preserve the equilibrium and calm we have tried to sustain for the other eleven months. Here are some suggestions:
•    mix keep your social schedule with high and low demand events; quiet times with close friends and family are important;
•    likewise, mix up meals, so most are normal and balanced, indulge as you like, but balance that with some sensible eating;
•    set limits on alcohol consumption, don’t drink and drive;
•    if your practice time is interrupted, as it is for most at Christmas, set some specific re-boot time in early January when you will get back to a schedule;
•    take regular walks away from the commercial areas, stay connected with nature;
•    find as many ways as possible to express your gratitude for all you are receiving
•    spread your generosity around to the less fortunate
•    set sensible limits on your spending
•    emphasize relationships not more stuff
•    whether you are or aren’t religious, remember the “reason for the season”.

Yours, on purpose,                           
Ray
Mindful Living in Renfrew County ....What’s got your attention?