After a rainfilled weekend (our rain catcher measured at 7.5 inches!), I treated myself to a woodsbath yesterday morning and got my much needed dose of balmy wet leaves. I treaded the muddy trail soaked by overflowing lakewater, each foot pressing softly onto the ground trying to avoid my sneaker accidentally sinking. Deep breath, noticing when my left heel followed by my toes touching the earth. Vital exhale, noticing when the right heel of my other foot followed by my toes touching the earth. With every breath, I imagine all my loved ones walking alongside me as we step and admire the almost winter lakeside view -- the trees are bare, and the sopping trails drown in leaves in various shades of toasted ginger strewn all over while patches of flourishing willow moss peek around tree roots.
As the holidays approach, all kinds of feelings and expectations creep up. Boundaries may need to be set. The greatest gift we can give to ourselves? As many mindful moments as possible.
So I invite you to go ahead and connect with yourself. Take a breather. Close your eyes or hold a soft gazse. How does your body feel? How's your heart? How's your energy? And breathe again. Scan your body. Start at the top of your head, face, neck, shoulders. Work your way down your arms to your fingers, chest, torso, hips, thighs, legs, feet and down to your toes. Imagine yourself in a favorite place and take a moment to be there. Enjoy your light.
This gift to ourselves promises to keep giving especially when we are truly present to connect with others.
Wishing you and yours a winter holiday fillled with mindfulness.
It's something to be able to offer a piece of ourselves to others in our communities. I chair the PTA wellness committee at my daughter's school. Our weekly cafe meetings have shifted to my home, where we begin with a brief mindful moment. Just five to ten minutes to ground ourselves and set an intention. Yoga mats and pillows down, the combination of a centering mint candle and lavender diffuser is a tiny gift we give to each other in the new year. 
