Plymouth United Church, St. Paul, Minn. “If the holidays are hard and church feels like the last thing somebody wants to do, one of these alternative services might be a good way in.”
Explore mindful movement. At its core, yoga is a regular practice of establishing
a connection between breath and movement to align body, mind and spirit. It can also be a powerful tool for combating stress, increasing mindfulness and staying active during the holiday season. “During Advent I have to
consciously wash my mind with deep breaths and a remembrance that Peace literally came down to walk on earth,” said Olivia Ryan, an instructor with Holy Yoga, Moorhead, Minn. “Because of my faith, stressful trappings lose their luster. I can breathe into peace. I can welcome it into my heart and home.” Yoga Journal, Yoga Download,
Kino Yoga and Yoga with Adriene are wonderful online resources. All provide at least a few free classes to start and then more videos and tutorials with an affordable online membership. Whether you prefer a fast-paced, intense class or one that is gentle and slow, you can find a yoga style that meets your needs.
Limit social media. The constant influx of new pictures and status updates on Facebook
can amplify feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem or anxiety. Research indicates that regular use of social media makes people susceptible to seeking approval, acceptance and even love from the online world, which over time has the opposite effect of creating sensations of disconnect. If you find that you are
constantly checking social media, distance yourself from your device. Call a friend, open your Bible or go outside for a walk. Make conversation with the person next to you in line at the coffee shop. Notice the sights, smells and sounds around you. Resist the urge to scroll and find a way to reconnect with yourself, others and God.
Focus on presence, not presents. Secular culture sends a strong message that
suggests what you buy represents who you are. This is false, which is vital to remember at this time of year. Remember your baptism and find peace and comfort in your identity as a child of God. To disconnect from
consumerism, consider ways you could share your presence with others instead of handing them a wrapped item. While the art of giving and receiving thoughtful gifts can certainly be a meaningful, beautiful ritual during the holidays, nothing beats the power of showing up, conversing face-to-face and being there for loved ones or your community.
Multiple demands on our
minds and time can cause us to rush through the holidays without recognizing the holy and sacred. This year give yourself permission to slow down and pay attention to the traces of faith all around you. And above all, allow yourself to trust and anticipate the radical love and compassion that Jesus brings, this Advent and every day.
Julia Dellitt is a writer, content specialist and mother living in Des Moines, Iowa.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICES AND RESOURCES •
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