‘Tis the season once again
“Children don't get traumatized because they are hurt. They get traumatized because they're alone with the hurt.”
- Dr. Gabor Mate
The holiday season can amplify stress for marginalized individuals, often marked by financial strains, family dynamics, and societal pressures that seem to intensify amid festive cheer. For those already navigating the complexities of identity and accessibility, the season can feel like an overwhelming tide, pulling them into a whirlpool of anxiety and fatigue. Reiki offers a gentle yet powerful antidote, providing a space for relaxation and healing that transcends the chaos. By channeling energy and promoting balance, reiki can help lift the burdens of stress, allowing individuals to reconnect with their own inner peace and resilience, ultimately transforming how they experience the holiday season.
Reiki and yoga share a fundamental connection in their focus on energy flow and mindful breathing, both fostering a harmonious alignment between mind, body, and spirit. In yoga, breath is an essential part of each pose, guiding movement and enhancing awareness, while Reiki practitioners emphasize the importance of breath in facilitating energetic healing. Diaphragmatic breathing, which involves deeply inhaling into the diaphragm rather than the chest, has been shown to soothe the vagus nerve, promoting a state of calm and relaxation. This deep, intentional breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing individuals to release tension and embrace tranquility, making both practices powerful tools in navigating life’s challenges with ease.
“Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees”
Navigating the holiday season as a queer, disabled, or part of a marginalized community can present unique challenges and opportunities for connection. For many, this time of year often emphasizes traditional family gatherings and societal expectations that may not resonate with diverse identities. Feelings of isolation may intensify when individuals are not fully accepted by their families or when accessibility barriers arise in festive settings. However, there is also the possibility of creating one’s own supportive space, whether through chosen family, community gatherings, or virtual connections. Celebrating in ways that honor personal identity and experience can transform the season into a time of empowerment and self-acceptance, allowing for the exploration of new traditions that embrace inclusivity and joy.
Joy often sprouts in the most unexpected corners of our daily lives, like a flower pushing through the cracks in the pavement. It’s the warm cup of coffee that wraps your hands in comfort as you watch the world wake up, the playful dance of sunlight streaming through your window, or a shared laugh with a friend that echoes through your heart. These moments remind us that joy isn’t a grand event but the gentle accumulation of simple pleasures—a wink from the universe that whispers, "Hey, everything is going to be alright!" Embracing these little sparks keeps our spirits buoyant and helps us navigate life’s ups and downs with a touch of lightness, inviting us to celebrate the beautifully mundane.
“You are not your body; you are not your brain, not even your mind. You are Spirit. All you have to do is reawaken to the memory, to remember.”
Creating joy with our chosen families is a vibrant act of reclaiming happiness and resilience, transforming shared laughter and love into a healing balm for the wounds we carry from our biological families. In this playful dance of connection, we intentionally nurture relationships that uplift and support us, actively working to process and resolve the traumas that have been held within. Each gathering and celebration becomes not only a moment of joy but also a step towards healing, as we embrace our authentic selves and let go of the chain of old narratives that no longer serve us. By fostering these meaningful ties, we create a sanctuary where healing occurs, allowing ourselves to learn, grow, and ultimately find peace in the beautiful tapestry of our lives.
“Happiness comes from within. It is not dependent on external things or on other people. You become vulnerable and can be easily hurt when your feelings of security and happiness depend on the behavior and actions of other people. Never give your power to anyone else.”
Reiki, yoga, and our connection to the world around us beautifully weave together a vibrant tapestry of balance and joy that often eludes our busy and hectic lives. Through the gentle and mindful practice of yoga, we learn to embrace discomfort and cultivate a deep sense of presence, allowing us to become acutely aware of our thoughts, feelings, and sensations. Reiki offers a soothing energy that works to help release blockages, encouraging emotional healing and promoting deeper self-acceptance and love. When we immerse ourselves in nature, we truly remind ourselves of our intrinsic connection to all living beings, thereby enhancing our gratitude and grounding us firmly in the present moment. Together, these transformative practices invite us to step off the merry-go-round of life and savor the blissful simplicity of being, fostering a profound sense of harmony and delight that enriches our everyday experiences and interactions.
“Just for today, I will let go of anger. Just for today, I will let go of worry. Today, I will count my many blessings. Today, I will do my work honestly. Today, I will be kind to every living creature.”
In a world that often feels incredibly chaotic and uncertain, it’s crucial to remember that our true peace and balance come from within ourselves. Regardless of external events, political climates, or the enormous pressures that others try to impose upon us, we have the incredible power to cultivate our own inner strength. This transformative journey invites us to connect deeply and authentically with our local communities and cherished chosen families, fostering relationships that not only lift us up but also inspire us to grow and thrive. It’s also an invaluable opportunity to reconcile long-buried past issues, healing old wounds that may have been binding us to negativity. As we take the time to nurture this balance within ourselves, we pave the way for a brighter, more compassionate world—one in which our collective energy can ignite and spark meaningful, positive change.
“Yoga allows you to find a new kind of freedom that you may not have known even existed.”
Thank you for being here, for your presence is like a heartbeat in the rhythm of our collective journey. Just as individual droplets of water come together to create a flowing river, we are interconnected in this beautiful tapestry of life. Each one of you brings your unique essence, enriching our shared experience and reminding us that even in our differences, we flow together toward a greater purpose. Your support and engagement create waves of positive energy, propelling us all forward into healing and connection.
I hope you have a great holiday season. I know this dark time of the year can be stressful for many of us. You are not alone, none of us are, despite how it may feel. Connect with others as much as you can, even if that’s connecting with a pet, a comforting story, or just journaling to yourself.
Many blessings this season,
