December 24th, 2013

Winter holidays (Christmas, Hanukah, etc) bring up emotional challenges for many people.  We see all those happy pictures of families, but really, which of us came from a family that looked like that- especially around this time of year?  There's the stress of presents (especially if money is tight), visiting relatives we may or may not get along with, and living up to expectations (ours and others').  On top of that, we often have sad or even traumatic memories of holidays in our past. 

This year I'm trying to take some time each day to journal, and take my "emotional temperature".  One way I do this is  mentally   list any physical sensations I'm feeling (tight shoulders are my most common), and then notice what emotions might go with those sensations.  Right now I'm noticing sadness (my mom died 18 years ago today- some of my parts are very sad about that), nervousness (family celebration tomorrow- will I do ok?  Did I get enough presents?...), excitement (I do like having people over, having fun, chatting with people), and anxiety (hmm- how much should I reveal in a blog?).   

I'm also aiming at doing at least one emotional self-healing session each week for the next 2 weeks.  I use a hybrid method that I've developed from Inner Family Systems and my own self- studies.  That way if parts need healing there will be something to look forward to.

In addition,  I facilitate a call-in support group on Thursday nights.  This is also helpful for keeping centered (or remembering that I'm NOT centered). 

All in all, I'm getting more in touch with emotions and their healing every time I do this holiday thing.  And I need to remember:  

Progress- not Perfection!

 More info on the Thursday meetings on this  google doc: 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AsNsy8yBdKlUdEZ1QmNNZDVGcS15aTVFeGg3b09VZHc&usp=drive_web#gid=0