Staying Tuned In With Yourself Amidst the Business and Transition
As winter approaches and the days grow shorter, it can begin to feel like time is slipping away. You may find yourself thinking, Where did 2021 go? How did we get to the holidays so fast? The answer to those questions that I’ve found to ring true is that we’ve gotten here by putting one foot in front of the other and continuing onward. And now we are approaching the holiday season–a time for celebration, gratitude, and shared moments with loved ones. But how can we enjoy the rest and relaxation of the holidays when our minds are still moving so quickly, having adapted to the survival mode demanded of us over the last almost-two years?
It’s possible when we start with intention.
As daylight hours dwindle and temperatures drop, we at Grove want to encourage our community to practice mindful presence. This transitional period is a time for change, and it is often in the midst of change that we find ourselves feeling lost or unsettled. There is a time for adaptation, when we must change our schedules or habits to meet the needs of our new situation. There is also a time for acceptance, when we let the transition run its course and accept the discomfort that might arise throughout. By taking a moment to pause and ground in the present moment, it might be possible to notice sensations as they arise in our physical bodies. And then, maybe, by leaning into that sensation we can take notice of our emotional responses and find a sense of balance.
When asked about the inevitable tension that arises in times of change or transition, Avida Johnson, LLMSW says, “I balance the tension by intentionally connecting and inhabiting my body. Being present to the sensations of living really helps to get me 'out of my head'; which I find to be the root of the tension.”
Anique Pegeron, MA, RYT, says, “Although it may seem counterintuitive, acceptance can be an internal catalyst for change. As we engage in emotional growth and healing, bringing acceptance to the more challenging aspects of ourselves, our lives, and those around us can provide the sense of inner emotional safety and compassion necessary to make positive changes. And when difficult changes come that are outside of our control, acceptance gives us a surfboard for riding the waves of those changes as they come and go, alleviating much of the resistance that creates additional suffering. From my perspective, acceptance and change go hand in hand.”
There is no “one size fits all” approach for finding peace in times of transition; different people respond differently to change, and that is okay. There are also different kinds of change–some situations call for an active response and others for a more resigned acceptance. Sara Marasco, LMSW, says, “I think about Kristin Neff's teachings on the yin and yang of self-compassion. Does this moment call for a softer, more nurturing approach of being kind to myself and sitting with discomfort? Or might the best way to truly care for myself in this moment be something that is fierce, action-oriented, and more protective? For me, it's an experimental dance between the two.”
So as the holidays approach and more layers become necessary to stay warm, take a moment to pause. Check in with yourself. Ask yourself if this transitional moment requires adaptation or acceptance (it might need a little bit of both). And then take a deep breath, show yourself some kindness and compassion, and inhabit the moment with intention. As always, this too shall pass.