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Stop the Insanity! Buy Yourself Holiday Time by Paying Attention

Reblogger
Home Stager with RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach Inc., Brokerage

I love this blog!  I wish I could remember this advice more often...:)

Original content by Bruce Johnson

All my life I've heard people say that time really begins to fly when you have children. Now that we have our two wonderful daughters, I finally see what they mean! Or maybe it's just getting older that does it.

You want time to speed up so that the holiday break will come-so you can hurry up and relax.

Then when the holidays arrive you want time to sloooow down so you can really feel ready, rested and refreshed for the New Year. Well, I'm learning that the secret to slowing time down is to stay where all life's riches reside: in the moment.

But living mindfully takes some doing-you have to stop the endless stream of thoughts about the past and the future. You have to stop judging, doubting and worrying. My wife Mary believes that to fully experience each moment it helps to turn your attention to your breathing, one of the slowest and most basic tasks in life.

Here's a way that breathing can help make your wishes come true: What are your two greatest wishes for the holidays? Shorten the wishes to one word each-for example, instead of "to erase conflict in the world and to feel at peace with my life and my loved ones" simply say "Peace."

Or another example: if your wish is something like "I wish I felt I was enough, I had enough, I did enough" simply say "Enough."

So with each inhalation, say one wish-word in your mind. Then as you exhale, whisper or focus your mind on the other wish. Do this as you walk or before you get out of bed in the morning or whenever you feel a little jumpy.

To slow the passing of time at gatherings, cultivate your ability to really listen. Focus on the person's words and the meaning between the words instead of what you are going to say next.

Instead of playing devil's advocate, ask questions and delight in the stories you draw out. Lending an active ear is not only a great gift to loved ones, it keeps you focused on the moment, thus slowing down our perceived life's pace.

Mary and I look forward to nurturing connections in our lives-connections to our families, connections to favorite holiday traditions and re-connecting with friends and clients.

Instead of having unrealistic expectations, we hope to just be as laid back as possible, keeping the holiday cheer flowing (hot buttered rum is very nice, I hear...).

We wish you and your circle of family and friends a sense of having/being/doing enough, peace and abundant happiness as we approach the holiday season. We are truly grateful for your presence in our lives. Let's all live in our moments and let the chips (and dips) fall where they may!

~Bruce

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