America's Best Spa Value
Call Today 800.753.OAKS (6257)
"Choosing Health & Joy in the Holidays"
For some people, the holidays are
fun, easy, and something to look forward to. For others, they are not
such a happy occasion, something to endure, like dodging a bullet.
My good friend, Annat Provo, is the Spa Services Director
here at the Oaks, my office mate, and a wise woman. I have adapted the
following thoughts on finding joy in the holidays from an article she
wrote! The next time you're at the Oaks, you can glean from a One on
One coaching session with Annat on how to "Awaken Transformation" in
your life.
Finding joy is an inside job- not really to be found but to
be uncovered and nurtured. Every day we can choose to make the day
meaningful and this creates the ground for satisfaction and yes, even
JOY! Intentionally making our interactions with others kind, honest,
and intimate (sharing our experience based wisdom) can make any day
more joyful for us and for the ones we interact with. Make it a
PRACTICE to be generous with words, noticing what others do well and complimenting
them out loud. Sprinkle the day with simple acts of kindness. This
lightens the heart and mind and puts a spring in our steps! (Take a
physical walk as well and note with gratitude the natural beauty all
around you).
Considering and acting on the meaning of specific holidays
can help us to be more engaged, excited, stimulated, and joy filled
during these special days.
THANKSGIVING gives us a sweet opportunity to
actually take the time to give thanks and to SHARE our abundance. My
family finds that inviting to the table not "just" family and friends,
but also neighbors adds joy to the festivities and keeps family members
on their best behavior! This is Harvest Time. What am I "harvesting"
as a result of the "seeds" I have "planted" in different areas in my
life?
CHANUKAH- the Jewish Festival of Lights. It can be
such fun as one lights candles with family and friends to share the
light that shines within us, what delights us, what fires keep us
burning. It's also the remembrance of a miracle. What miracles in my
life can I celebrate?
CHRISTMAS- the Christian celebration of the Birth of
the Gift of Hope. What is the real meaning to you? Take time to
remember why you celebrate, and share gifts that are material with
those in need, and MORE than materialistic with those you love. Think
of the lonely or aged in your neighborhood that would greatly
appreciate a meal or a visit. The needs around the world are plentiful-
it will make you more happy to give than to receive, so GIVE from your
abundance! Find the joy there. Is there anyone you need to make peace
with during this time of celebrating the Prince of Peace?
Reconciliation brings Joy.
NEW YEAR- whether you celebrate in September or in
January, it's a good time to take stock of the year that has passed and
make choices for the year that is to come. Express gratitude in your
own journal for the growth in your own life, and pass on to others in
your world- family, co workers, and friends, for the blessings they
bring to you.
We can choose to make the holidays meaningful, rather than stressful. This choice can be amazing, joyful, and powerful! SMILE! :) This
effectively and easily expresses and enhances JOY. It lifts our mood-
lifts others moods- and is just good fun. Smile at a stranger today and
see what happens! Sing. Dance. Fill your environment with sounds that
delight and uplift, creating obvious and contagious joy. Keep a journal
of gratitude this holiday season. Do not be casual about it. It is good
for our health to count our blessings!"
Great truth, Annat. Thank you!
I'll add a few more tips:
*With holiday food, LESS IS MORE! Choose well, and be moderate!
*Don't throw your health program under the bus! Keep
on track with your food choices and with your exercise program. (Your
mind will be more clear, your mood more elevated, if you TAKE THE TIME
to continue exercising. Prioritize it, don't shelf it.)
*Be aware. What has tripped you up in the past?
Journal your triggers and temptations. Don't do the same old things
that leave you unhappy and uncomfortable when the day is done. Commit
yourself to a new pattern of behavior this holiday season- New Results
require New Habits. You can do it!
You CAN choose Health & Joy
THIS Holiday Season!!
Blessings with a SMILE,
Nancy (& Annat)
Our Spa Newsletter
Copyright © 2010 The Oaks at Ojai - 122 E. Ojai Avenue Ojai, CA, USA 93023 - [Privacy and Purchasing Policies]
