Every time December hits, I start thinking about all the holiday activities coming up. An energetic excitement runs through my body almost like electricity hitting a set of lights on a Christmas tree for the first time! I know that December brings all forms of celebrations, gatherings and family time and that no individual celebrates in the same way. However, December to me signifies a time to practice presence and acknowledge what one has and what one misses also. It provides many opportunities to pause, reflect and be grateful for what we have and acknowledge what may be hurting during the holiday season.

Gratefulness was my first entryway into mindfulness. I had taken courses related to positive leadership and positive psychology and gratefulness always came up. And for years during my adulthood I tried to practice this in various ways including trying to journal about it daily. None of these attempts “stuck” until I realized that my mindfulness practice was always meant to be mindfulness in motion. I began to bike daily to and from work and started practicing being grateful at the end of the day at the exact geographic spot each day. With the routine and structure, I kept it going and it felt so natural. It was a practice that made me smile everyday even if I had a hard day. Just like celebrations during the holidays, I think that each individual has to find their own way to practice mindfulness that works for them. That is the only way that I think that mindfulness “stuck” for me and I felt the incredible benefits. The other luxury that I have that others may not is a genuine and supporting community of mindfulness practitioners that give me structure, opportunity and loving kindness. It is one thing I am incredibly grateful for. Although mindfulness really began through working at the Centre, I have witnessed the impact it has had on my personal life. Mindfulness is a way of being, and has changed my approach to work, life and the way I relate and are in relationship with others.

The things I am grateful for this holiday season include: my mindfulness practice to support me through stressful moments in my life, the life and spirit of having a real Christmas tree in my home, opportunities to gather with friends and family to laugh, cry and take funny pictures together, the spectacular lights throughout the city and the cups of hot cocoa that allow me to stop and reflect on those that are no longer in my life anymore, but I’m wishing well. This holiday season I encourage you to grab a hot cocoa or tea (or whatever hot beverage you prefer!) and think about the glimmers of light in your life that truly light up your world.