The holiday season is notorious for adding a little extra stress into our lives. Rushing about, traveling, harsh weather conditions and pressure to meet expectations can pull us into a frenzy! Learning how to be present during harried times can help us stay grounded, connected and calmer. When we’re not being present, we become out of touch with our authentic selves, the world around us, and the moment we are in. Finding a sense of presence brings you back to the moment and back in alignment.
At Stand InBalance, our HERD members are experts at being present! Here’s what they had to say about how to stay present in the moment:
Condina: WHOA! Be sure you take time to stop, breathe, and take in your surroundings. This will help you connect with your Mare Wisdom so you can make grounded, positive choices.
Cosmo: Especially during the holidays, it’s easy to find yourself feeling pushed or pulled in every which way by your friends or family. Sometimes we can get overwhelmed and irritable. If you find yourself feeling cranky take some time to be STILL! Just stop, take a moment to ground yourself and BREATHE. Hang out in stillness until you feel like you’ve come back to yourself and back to the moment. Then consider how you can communicate your needs. Other people can’t be mind readers so it is really important to tell them how we are feeling and ask for what we need.
Maybelline: Allow compassion to be your guide. Sometimes, people can be really trying during the holidays – they’re stressed out, tired, overextended and they can act in ways that aren’t so nice because of it. Try not to get derailed by the actions of others. Instead, be compassionate. Remembering that we’re all in this together, working to do our best for ourselves and each other, and that we all make mistakes will help keep you grounded in reality. Compassion for others allows you to rise above a petty situation and realign yourself with what’s really important. Be the one to bring the joy, love & peace into the holiday season and others will follow your lead.
Bella-Rose: Be curious! Don’t just go around the world just going through the motions. Make sure that you keep asking questions. Explore, discover, try new things! All of this will keep you on your hooves (or toes) and keep you engaged in 
the present moment. By staying connected to the glorious world of opportunities & possibilities around you, you’ll be able to tap into gratitude and you’ll feel better.
Millie: Don’t let the “to do’s” of the season take over! This time of year we can take on SO much more than usual and the list can be totally overwhelming! How is little old me supposed to do all of that!?! Don’t try to do it all at once – stay in the moment and tackle your to do list step by step. Focus on what you can do NOW instead of everything all at once and ask for help if you need it. Yard by yard life is hard, but inch by inch it’s a cinch. Also, let go of the idea that everything needs to be perfect. Just do your best and your friends & family will love you for being you, not for everything that you do.
Cooper: When I feel out of it, I like to get physical. Getting into my body brings me back to me. If you’re feeling stressed or out of touch, get moving – shake it off, take a roll or a sprint. Once you get your lungs breathing, heart pumping & legs moving, you’ll be back into your body & back into the present.
Bubba: Stop making up stories about what you think others are thinking about you. When we let go of the stories that we tell ourselves about how we think we “need” to be in order to please others, then we’re able to be ourselves. Being yourself is what you do when you’re present. Pay attention to what’s really happening & base your actions on that. If something is unclear or messages are mixed, ask for clarification and don’t have a pre-expectation about what you think the answer should or will be.
Lucius: Take time to play! Enjoy being alive, experiencing life to its fullest. There is nothing like having fun and getting into a little harmless mischief. Oh, and don’t forget to laugh – it is good for the body and for the soul.
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