Sacred Moments: Staying Present in the Holiday Rush
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Happy holidays, Reader! Whether you are reading this in advance of a celebration (or even sneaking off for a moment to scroll you phone while everything is happening on the other side of the house) I wanted to say: Hi -- Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah/Hanukkah/Hannukah (yes, even Jews don't always know how to spell it), Yay for a few days off... And...wow...this can be such a beautiful and joy-filled and complex and challenging time of year. I see you. I get it. Gathering with family and friends often carries the hope of creating cherished memories. But, it can also bring stress, loneliness, or feelings of disconnection—even in a room full of people. For those missing loved ones or navigating personal struggles, this season can feel particularly heavy. If you're finding yourself in any of the stressful sides of the holidays, I offer 2 practices that I think will serve you. They are both simple and powerful. And, even if you holidays are full of joy and love, they can absolutely add to the occasion. A quick aside for all practices I offer: Sometimes I tell my clients: "just tell your husband/wife that your crazy coach is making you do this." That seems to make it easier to do a practice when they can "blame" me. :) (The video at the bottom explains this all in a bit more detail) For couples: The first practice is an eye-gazing exercise. It might sound cliché, but gazing into your partner’s left eye, "as if" you’re seeing their soul, can create profound intimacy. Hold the gaze for 30 seconds to a few minutes, silently thinking, I see you. I see your stress, your beauty, and the Divine spark within you. If you find this confronting, lean into the discomfort; the connection that follows is worth it. The second practice is synchronized breathing. Place your hand on the small of your partner’s back, draw them close to you, and breathe together. Feel your bellies expand and contract in unison. This physical and energetic alignment fosters a sacred connection, even amidst chaos. With practice, you can extend this connection across a room through shared breath and eye contact, offering a quiet reminder that you’re in this together. For anyone who has some alone time: If you’re attending celebrations alone, feeling isolated, or simply taking a moment for yourself, you can adapt these practices for self-connection. Look in a mirror, meet your own gaze with compassion, and acknowledge your emotions. Or take a few intentional breaths, grounding yourself in the present moment. --- Judaism teaches that sacred moments can be created when we’re fully present. Tradition speaks of simcha shel mitzvah—the joy that comes from fulfilling a purpose with intention. Whether you’re surrounded by loved ones or spending the holidays quietly, finding ways to connect—with yourself, others, or the Divine—can transform this season into something truly meaningful. Holidays don’t need to be perfect to be beautiful. By embracing simple, intentional practices, you can navigate the tension between chaos and connection. Try these tools, and let me know how they feel for you. Whether they deepen your bond with a partner, create a moment of stillness in a bustling celebration, or bring comfort in solitude, they can serve as small but powerful acts of love. May your holidays be filled with connection, intimacy, and blessings, Ted |