By Cheryl Wasserman, MA, LPC, NCC,
Licensed Professional Counselor
Does your traditional Thanksgiving consist of cleaning, cooking, and overeating followed by exhaustion? If so, why not try a mindful Thanksgiving this year?
Thanksgiving is an opportunity to slow down, to be grateful for what we have and to really see what is important in our lives.
For example, as you are slicing and chopping vegetables for the meal, become aware that they were warmed by the sunshine, were watered by the rain and had moonlight shining down on them at night. You might reflect on the fact that you are preparing food that will nourish the bodies of those you love so that this becomes an act of caring rather than a boring chore.
If you notice yourself caught up in worries about whether the house looks perfect or fearful that you will overeat, try to remember that all of that is beside the point. The point is to savor the experience of togetherness and gratitude for all that you have. You might see that slowing down with this awareness of abundance and gratitude will fill you emotionally so that you will be less likely to burden yourself with excess food. Perhaps you will also see that what you are truly hungering for are these nourishing feelings.
Put aside your worries and fears to look into the eyes of those with whom you are sharing this day. Drink in the delight of any children who might be present. Notice what is right and let the rest go.
A warm, mindful connection with others provides a positive internal experience. We miss this experience if we are busy worrying and/or judging ourselves and others.
Creating this kind of rich, meaningful experience can provide a wonderful balance for any personal life hardships, upsetting world events and uncertainties.
Perhaps you will see an opportunity to reach out in some way to someone who is less fortunate, being grateful for the opportunity to do so. This kind of behavior not only feels good to us, but it also is modeling behavior that your children are likely to integrate into their lives in a positive way.
You might be amazed at how much abundance you have when you actually slow down and just notice.
For more information call 314-991-6730 or visit online at www.mindfuleatingforlife.com.