Thanksgiving: A Table Set for the Past and Present.
For many—Thanksgiving and the holiday season is a time of triggers.
There isn’t just our favorite collection of foods being cooked and offered on the table. There too, are painful reminders: unresolved relational conflicts, grief unfinished, and memories that lay in question.
No matter where you are on your inner journey, know that I’ve been on many sides of the table. It hasn’t always been easy, especially during the early days of my inner healing journey—when it felt many of my wounds were freshly opened. I feared, deeply, what interacting and reuniting with others would do to my exposed wounds. Yet, I didn’t have to look far to find solace. I turned to the things that were familiar: I leaned into, like never before, my self-care practices and rituals. I realized that I didn’t need to reinvent the wheel, I already had access to the things that would keep me grounded. I found that I could still be where I was inwardly, authentically, while also engaging with others, but only in a way that worked for me. When I accessed the power of perspective, I became much less anxious.
As I’ve continued to learn to love, appreciate, know and respect myself—my relationship with others have organically grown and been sustained by healthy boundaries. I hope that these quick holiday tips will offer you nourishment for your soul as you gather, remember and reflect this season.
Take what you need. . .
—Visioning:
Starting now, morning and night (and throughout the day as needed)—either set a timer OR simply allow yourself to flow instinctively.
1) Close your eyes and begin with the breath (simply breathe for a minute or two).
2) Then, begin seeing yourself as strong, strengthened, and WHOLE. See yourself as smiling, laughing, and healthy. **really feel that.
3) Imagine that there is a beautiful glow of golden light surrounding you. This light is protective, loving, and Universal abundance. Before opening your eyes, place your hands on your heart and whisper these words to yourself:
I am safe and protected. Only reiki, love, & positive energy shall pass to me.
—Triggered:
Whether you’re at the dinner table, in the middle of a conversation or feel/sense something is about to happen…know that you have 4 options
1) Fight (don’t recommend)
2) Flee (better option, but still wouldn’t encourage)
3) Freeze (just don’t)
4) Feel (correct answer)
Option 4: Pause. Take a moment. Feel. Breathe through it. Create space for you to address what’s happening within you. In reality, it may look like excusing yourself from the table. You may need to let everyone know you will be right back—a quick run to the wash room. Do what you need to do to create the much needed space to clear and respond. This is how you exert your power and strengthen your energetic boundaries.
PAUSE & BREATHE.
—Mindset Planning:
Often, what we do before reuniting with the PAST/TRIGGERES is begin gossiping. We begin throwing emotional posion in the direction of our past. We think this is helping, but, in reality we are only creating a trap that we are due to step into. In reality, we are manifesting (asking for) the very thing we don’t want…
Instead of casting nasty slurs, prepare your mind and spirit. Lead with positive affirmations regarding how YOU want to show up. Send POSITIVE thoughts to the HIGHER SELF of the person that triggers you (or that you have conflicts with). We all, from time to time, dwell in pettiness, but our HIGHER SELF is free from this lower level energy…it will always receive what is for our greatest good.
You may be surprised that this simple shift in intentional energy setting will do wonders for and before you.
—DO A LITTLE MAGIC, of course:
Be sure your witch/wizard cabinet is stocked! Great tools to bring along include…
Palo santo/Sage/Incense —clear the space where you will be staying before guest arrive (or when you arrive to your destination) and do the same after (when guests leave OR you arrive back home). Be intentional when smudging/clearing. Be sure to open a window (let the old energy out) and state an affirmation or two aligned with your intention of clearing and inviting in the good stuff.
Bring and keep stones on you!
Clear quartz or selenite, will help keep you clear.
Black tourmaline, for protection.
Rose quartz, for love and gentleness.
WATER WATER WATER! Emotions are about movement; when we are dehydrated our energy (emotions) do not move well. Stay extra hydrated this holiday season.