We’re all busy this week. Nevertheless, in between shopping, baking, decorating, gift-wrapping, card-writing, cooking, standing in line at the post office, and last-minute runs to the mall we’re also expected to be joyful. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, after all. At least, so we’re told …

Because we all have enough to do this week, I’d like to offer just one single technique sure to lift your spirits, should all the hustle and bustle of the season overshadow the merriment and joy we’re working so hard to create.

Find a quiet place. Your car will do in a pinch. Close your eyes and take a single big breath. Smile. Even if you don’t feel like
smiling – especially if you don’t feel like smiling! Focus for a minute or two on the sensation of smiling. Notice what happens to your face, to your emotions, to the space in your heart. Meditate on your smile.

This may feel forced and unnatural at first, especially if you are agitated or stressed. However, you’ll find that it’s hard to meditate on a smile without that smile becoming genuine. If nothing else, you’ll smile or even laugh at yourself because here you are, sitting with your eyes closed and smiling foolishly.

I encourage you to try it out right now. Close your eyes, breathe, smile, and notice. It doesn’t get any simpler than that. Have a joyful holiday!

Blessings,
Andrea

P.S. If you’re not all that busy and have time to read more tips on handling holiday stress, Edward Mills has posted nineteen of them at his blog, Evolving Times. Enjoy!

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Filed under: Embrace Your Highest Path and Purpose • Meditation and Awakening Consciousness • Spiritual Development

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