Staying in Balance – A Holistic Approach to the Holidays

[Guest guest]

Staying in Balance – A Holistic Approach to the Holidays

One of the great strengths of Eastern thought is its ability to allow for the

existence of two opposing forces or ideas at the same time. With this in mind, I

offer you some suggestions for maintaining balance throughout the holiday

season. My suggestions embrace the notion that the yang side of the holidays —

the parties, eating, gift-giving, decorations and commercialism — can be

balanced by the yin side — the soul, the heart and the connections we have with

ourselves, our memories and the people we care about. By slowing down a little

and paying attention to our inner, yin side, we can find and create special

meaning at this time of year. Here are some ideas to help you explore ways of

doing this. These are only my ideas. Please take them, mutate them and transform

them into your own.

Acknowledge Imperfection

Expectations run high over the holiday season. We try hard and mean well. Often

the fruits of our labors pay off. The table looks beautiful. We purchased the

perfect gift. Our children/ spouses/ friends are happy. But once in awhile, we

say or do the wrong thing. We arrive late. We forget someone's name. We become

entrenched in old emotions that shadow a present situation. We become depressed.

We feel inadequate. We run from our darker sides.

By acknowledging our imperfections we uncover our humanity. The notion of

perfection is a human construct designed to cover up our truest selves. In

accepting the self as imperfect we give others the room to be imperfect as well.

We allow for forgiveness and healing. We bring light to our darker, murkier

sides.

Eat for the Soul

Thanksgiving turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, your grandmother's pumpkin pie,

Hanukah latkes, Christmas cookies, eggnog.... Add your own favorites. These are

foods we wait an entire year for. They contain the tastes joyously stored in

memories of years gone by. These are the foods that speak to our souls. There is

room in our stomachs for the comfort foods of our youth during the holiday

season. The saturated fats, sugars and calories are balanced by the joy these

foods bring. Happy souls can make for happy bodies when these foods are eaten in

moderation.

Keep the following in mind:

•Small portions satisfy the soul.

•Whole grains, soups, roasted root vegetables and sautéed greens are high in

nutritional value and can easily be a part of holiday meals.

Avoid empty calories — those with no nutritional or emotional value.

•Drink seltzer rather than sugary sodas.

•Resist the candy jar.

•Give or throw away excess foods.

Remember to eat slowly and relish the special tastes of the season. This is what

holiday food and meals are all about.

Permission is given to circulate this article by Bonnie Diamond, LAc,

Easthampton, MA.