An Intentional Holiday

The holiday season is here! (can you believe it?). For some of you, this may be a time to plan/attend parties, buy presents, and reconnect with family and friends. For others, this may be a quieter time. Regardless of where we focus our energy during this time of the year – inside or outside – it is an interesting exercise to plan how we want to do it: “what is my intention for this holiday season?” Taking some time to think about this allows us to choose our narrative and decide how we want to live this time, instead of allowing the season to happen to us.
From our team’s experience, the holidays can become a little hectic. This often occurs when we focus on the “stuff”, like presents. Rather, the holidays can be a time to connect, enjoy traditions, and experience true inner joy. Joy can be different from happiness, which comes and goes. Joy comes through deep and truthful presence. The holidays, then, are truly about the experience – our ability to feel, hear, and learn in the company of loved ones who are present.    
With this in mind, Nicole, our fabulous Program & Communications Manager and mother of four, shares with us a few ideas on how we can create an intentional holiday season. We hope you try it with us! 

'An intentional holiday translates to an intentional life. We can work with a top-down approach, creating a plan to achieve whatever desire we have for this time of the year. We can focus our energy and activities on reaching that goal"

1. Start by answering the question: “what is my intention for this holiday season?” Be specific about the answer. For example, help others in my community, or give daily opportunities to my children to feel empowered during these five weeks. This goes at the top of your planning, anything else will focus on reaching this goal. 
2. Create a calendar of the activities you’ll do to reach those intentions. It may be daily or weekly pursuits. 
3. Focus your energy into being present when enjoying the fun of looking  toward your holiday intention. 

Some ideas to answer the “top question” based on an integrative education:

• Empower children. Activity: go to a recital and support young musicians with your presence and attention.
• Connect. Activity: Discuss an experience you had and exchange ideas about it with someone in your life.