As the holidays approach, the pace of life often quickens. Before we realize it, we find ourselves moving at full speed again. Our calendars fill up, messages multiply, and people seek our time, attention, and presence. Many of us respond out of habit, stretching ourselves thinner and saying “yes” more often than we should. 

At first glance, this seems to be both caring and generous. We feel appreciated, and a part of us feels deeply rewarded. Internally, our bodies may communicate a different message. Our breath becomes shallow, sleep feels lighter, and our nervous systems begin to bear the weight of the season even before it arrives.

For many years, I developed a habit of over-giving. I managed a busy healing practice, taught classes, cared for my family, cooked for friends, and accepted nearly every request that came my way. Although I genuinely enjoyed helping – it’s part of my nature – I often pushed my body beyond its limits.

Ultimately, a health crisis interrupted this cycle, leading not just to a brief pause but to a complete halt. During my recovery, one lesson consistently emerged: slowing down was not a luxury; it was essential for healing.

You don’t need a health crisis to take a step back. You might already sense that simply pausing, letting clarity emerge before taking action, is a key. But how to do this?

Taking a moment to rest with your heart before rushing in could help you learn this lesson without a health crisis. You might enjoy this simple practice:

1. Sit in a chair where your feet can touch the floor and feel the chair’s support. Notice the connection of your body with the chair and the ground.  
2. Bring gentle attention to your breath. Feel its natural rise and fall — the coolness of the inhale and the warmth of the exhale.  
3. Allow your gaze to soften or close your eyes if that feels comfortable. Let the muscles around your eyes and jaw relax.  
4. When you’re ready, place a hand lightly over the center of your chest. Feel the warmth of your hand and acknowledge your own presence.  
5. Begin to breathe in and out through your nose a little more slowly, making your inhales and exhales roughly equal. Imagine your breath flowing in and out from beneath your hand.  
6. Recall a place, person, or moment that genuinely opens your heart. It could be a landscape, a child, an animal, a spiritual experience, or a simple moment of kindness. Let that feeling spread gently through your chest. 
7. Stay with this for one to three minutes.  

When you’re ready to conclude, let your hand return to your lap. Take a slightly deeper breath and look around the room to orient yourself. Then ask yourself:  

• What does rest look like for me during this season?  
• What is one simple, pleasurable way I could tend to my own heart before tending to others?  

Small, sincere pauses like this can change how you emerge from the weeks ahead. 

I would love to hear what practices fill you and bring steadiness and warmth to your holidays. I read and will respond to every comment.