How Meditation Can Help You Have Truly Happy Holidays
We asked WITHIN Teacher Devon Pipars what advice and encouragement she had for us all during the holidays. Here’s what she told us.
For many of us, instead of being merry, the holidays can be a stressful time. This is not only the opposite of what they represent, which is a time of togetherness and gratitude, it’s also the opposite of how we want to feel.
We somehow think if we can give, or receive, the perfect gift then it will be wonderful. Or if the family dynamic would be smooth for just a few days, then it will be enjoyable.
What we’re not recognizing is that, by holding these conditions, we’re actually not present to what is. We’re pinning our happiness on a future possibility, rather than getting real with what’s happening right now. And so we’re setting ourselves up for inevitable disappointment.
Meditation is a great antidote to the trap of holiday frustration and disappointment.
When you practice meditation, and especially when you have a daily practice, you experience being freed from the sense that you need any thing or any experience to be fulfilled and content. You have the direct experience of yourself as fundamentally complete and needless. And also, in the neutral observation of meditation, you’re released from judgement and expectation.
Free from either of these internal tensions, you’re available to be relaxed, easy, open and fully present. And the quality of this presence is love.
The truth is, this is actually what your family craves from you - just to be recognized and accepted exactly as they are.
And you may be surprised to observe that when you’re actively present with someone, without holding onto memories of the past or desires for the future, their actions will reflect back more love to you, as they unconsciously respond to this sense of being seen and accepted.
Ironically, in releasing our own entitlement for love, we receive more love. Which is what all of us really want during the holidays!
Devon teaches regularly in our online studio. She has a passion for helping students deepen their practice, whether you're just starting out or have years of experience. Join her for a class this week, or take her Complete Meditation Toolkit Course! Or, get a taste of her guidance virtually through WITHIN's channel on the Aura Health app.