Practice Self Practice This Holiday Season
With arguably one of the most simultaneously joyous yet taxing times of year upon us, we asked friends of Self Practice, their favourite ways to spend time and ground during the holiday season. We hope you find their insights as informative and encouraging as we did.
Jess Hannah - Founder of J.Hannah, based in Los Angeles
Holidays are for basking in the presence of loved ones, yet working in the jewelry business it is also our busiest time of year. In between the daytime hustle and the evening gatherings I’ve found it restorative to lay on the ground and place a smooth rock on my chest or forehead. I’ve always liked to collect stones and this is a great way to reconnect with them.
Rachel Saunders - Artist and ceramicist, based in Canada
I am so challenged by this time of year. The lack of sun, drop in temperature, and the doubling of my workload affects me deeply and takes me away from my natural state. I have to double down and become my own caring parent to make sure I am getting enough love and affection, water, sleep, exercise, home cooked meals, and nature-- or else I crack. I have to remind myself daily that I am not a machine, or a hamster on a wheel, but a gentle joyful spirit who is here to enjoy and be light and giving. When I get tunnel vision or start getting depressed a quick fix is to take myself to a new place, near or far. It rewires my brain and gets me out of my self imposed box. It is then I can get back to myself with clarity.
Lucia Zolea - Founder of LUCIA ZOLEA, based in Virginia
This holiday season I want to practice mindful gratitude. Often we can get wrapped up in different stressors, especially during holiday, and forget to practice being mindful of all that we have. Instead of looking at things as a burden I want to look at them as an opportunity for gratitude. An opportunity to love, be thankful, and give this season.
Neada Deters - Founder of LESSE, based in Los Angeles
[The holidays are] A time to cook with the people you love, share stories that have already been heard a thousand times, and read every unread book that's piled up on your bedside throughout the year. It's a time to come back to yourself and reconnect with what is most important, in readiness for the year to come.
Meredith Carter - Ayurvedic Practitioner (Vata Pitta Kapha), based in Los Angeles
Before and during the holidays is my favourite time to cleanse. It slows me down and counters any indulgent or just unusual food choices I may make at gatherings. When digestion is optimal, I’m just less likely to have any discomfort or issues. It also tops up immunity so I’m less likely to be effected by cold, flu or whatever bugs might be hanging around.
Gloria Noto - Founder of NOTO Botanics, based in Los Angeles / NYC
Getting out in quiet nature with trees is always helpful for me to ground during this time. Ideally surrounded by a few very important people and a lover. Cooking, moving slowly, and sleeping a lot.
Quinton Mulvey - Creative Consultant, based in New York
I view holidays as moments of rest and also as opportunities to foster meaningful conversation with loved ones. I make an effort to truly channel connection with my chosen and extended families, reflect on my privileges and blessings , and grant myself a peaceful break from my regular routine. I have a bit of a ritual where I take a bath to Peace Piece by Bill Evens and journal about my blessings each Thanksgiving.
Lisa Perri - Founder of Holy Mountain, based in Melbourne
Spending time at the beach with my extended family. This is something we’ve done every summer for my entire life and it takes me right back to my childhood and who I am at my core. All our meals are cooked together at home, we don’t have wifi and the days are long and slow in the best possible way.
Lucy Higgins - Photographer, based in Melbourne
December - January holiday season is all about being in the sun for me. I am my best self when the sun is beating down on my skin - happier, more relaxed and more connected away from technology.
Ryan Lopes - Creative Director, based in Rhode Island
My favorite way to maintain a grounded space during a holiday is start as small as I possibly can. A few extra hours of sleep, decluttering of space, music, no words and conversations with relatives/close friends.
Paige Geffen - Founder of OBJECT & US, based in Santa Fe
Holiday season can be tricky for many, including me. I ground with the objects around me in order to get in tune with my body and in touch with my inner needs. I do this year-round, so this time of year I like to focus on things that bring out the feeling of warmth and coziness - so objects that are weighted in some way. Feeling the knit of a blanket I'm cuddling up with or the rough texture of a ceramic mug I'm having tea from bring out sensations in the body for me to pay attention to and work with. In these practices, I can meet myself wherever I am.
Sunni Hart - Birth and Postpartum Doula, based in Melbourne
Staying with oneself in a consciously embodied state will be at the top of my Christmas list this year! Hydration is number one. Sticking to my morning ritual of warm water with a whole lemon before anything else followed by CBD oil, Ayurvedic tonics and supplements. Daily movement. This year some friends and I are going to form a dance troop to satiate our deep love for daggy choreography and big pop bangers as a way to break the endless wine times. Boundaries and generosity. It’s not an oxymoron! Now is a wonderful time to reinstate your highest values. Use these values as reference point in times of expectation to gauge whether or not you are in alignment. If you have family or social obligations, go to them with love, openness and generosity that is in line with these values wherein creating personal boundaries. Try to release judgments and remember that at their core, everyone is fundamentally good. Staying with yourself and your values can keep you centred and grounded in this truth.
Alexa De La Cruz - Jewellery Designer, based in Mexico
Grounding with home cooked meals, soaking winter sun in the morning, walks through nature, rocks I keep in my pocket, mindfully choosing or making gifts for my loved ones (children!)...are some of the ways I slow down during this time of the year. As much as I enjoy the holidays, it can feel overwhelming if I forget to practice extra self practice.
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