For some, getting together with family over the holidays is as comforting as drinking a warm cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows in front of a cozy fire. But there are also those of us whose anxiety peaks around this time of year and we are triggered in ways that make our systems contract and we become irritable. We see the best versions of ourselves disappear and we feel trapped and unhappy. Here at Soularium Academy we have an intentional focus on increasing our personal toolbox to deal with times just like this because even kids, unfortunately, will come across situations that make their systems contract in discomfort. Also, as caregivers, your children can definitely sense, feel, and even absorb your energy, so give yourself some grace and try the tips below if you are starting to feel the tension rise in your own mind and body. Building a high-vibing toolbox is what we do in our High Vibes session offered this January to homeschool families! Register your kids here!
First, consider this, our souls chose this life for us… who would be our family, and who would be chosen family. Our family members, friends, and acquaintances who trigger us may have been chosen by us to give us the opportunity to evolve as a soul. They are here to help us work on the things that are most difficult so we can be in the deep practice of knowing ourselves, understanding anger and fear, and ultimately figuring out how to be guided by love and live in high vibration with our Higher Selves.
To face challenges and fully experience the range of emotions we were meant to experience here on Earth we have realized we must also have practices that help us regulate and bring our systems out of low vibration so we can feel whole again. Having these tools empowers us to feel confident in who we are and grounded during difficult times so we can weave through the messiness and see from a bird’s eye view what the big picture is. (pssst… spoiler alert… the big picture is love!).
Here are some tools that we teach and you can try!
Sacred Space
Spend 10 minutes going out for a short walk and pick up any items from nature that speak to you. When you get home, find a small space on a desk, dresser, or even a portable tray and arrange the items from nature in a way that brings in beauty. It can be like a mini art project. I like to include the 4 elements of water (fresh-picked plants in a vase), air (a feather or some smudge from sage), fire (a candle), and earth (a special stone or gem) in my sacred space. You can even include a picture of a loved one who has passed to the other side. Whatever you want. It’s YOUR sacred space!
Setting an Intention and Say a Blessing
Doing this over your Sacred Space is especially activating - but you can also do it anytime or anyplace! Pop into the bathroom if you need a minute to yourself :). Setting an intention means you set a goal or purpose. Something you aim to do. It should always be for your greater good and the repair of all things. It should be made in love. It helps you take control and determine how things will be. A blessing is usually done in gratitude or with deep heart faith that you can receive the support you will need as you activate your intention. If you are religious you may link it to the beings you usually pray to. If you are not religious it can be a spiritual act in the most expansive sense of the word.
Positive Affirmations
Often our monkey brains take over and we realize we are cycling through negative self-talk, cursing out our adversaries, running through conversations that make us feel like the helpless victim and they the evil oppressor, etc… It’s critical we get out of that cycle into the cycle of positive self-talk. It quickly helps us regain our power. “I have an energetic bubble that protects me from their negative energy.” “I am a good, kind, loving person.” “I have an abundance of joy and balance in my life.” “I can speak my truth without being controversial.” Whatever you need - you speak it over and over in your mind until you believe it. Cuz, it’s the TRUTH.
Animal Spirit Cards
I love pulling a tarot card if I need a little extra support. Animal Spirit cards are perfect for kids and adults. Once you pull an animal spirit card you will often notice the animal is showing up all over the place as you go about your day and week. Maybe on a coffee mug at Grandma’s house. Maybe on a sign as you are driving to your in-laws. You start to feel more and more support from its message and realize this IS the animal spirit you need right now.
Plant Bath
Collect some herbs from your garden or the grocery store. I like to use jasmine, rosemary, mint, sage, dandelion, and calendula (to name a few). Boil them in a big pot of water until the water starts to turn the color of tea. Strain out all the herbs and bits you don’t want in your bath with you. You can dump the whole pot into a warm bath or let it cool down and then dump it slowly over your head in the shower. Obviously, make sure it’s the right temperature for this to feel soothing and warm. I bet you will feel absolutely amazing after doing this.
Essential Oil Blend
Essential oils like lavender and ylang ylang are excellent for soothing the nervous system. Put some drops of each oil in a roller ball or even in a small container with a lid and add a carrier oil like apricot or almond oil. Take it with you so you can put a little dab on your chest, wrist, or behind your ears when you feel the tension rising. Even just making a blend of scents you love can help relax you and bring in some love and comfort.
I hope adding one or two of these to your toolbox will bring in some comfort over the holiday seasons. Don’t forget to sign your kids up for January High Vibes to reap the full benefits and get all the tools!
Sending many blessings to you and yours,
Holly
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