Here are a couple of tips and hints that just may help you through some of those less-than Hallmark moments.

As you sit in the living room, listening to Uncle Arthur complain about the economy and Aunt Ethel gripe about….everything try the following…

Stop, breathe, breathe, breathe and consciously relax.

Intentionally soften your gaze, look at each of them (yes, even Aunt Ethel) with “soft eyes” and allow your energy to turn into a soft rose colored mist, a mantle of compassion and love, and wrap it around each of them (and yourself). I usually kinda check out of the conversation, I allow the loving energy to flow around me, and slip into a bit of a “happy place” as I sit there. Then I can pulse out the good vibes, the happy, loving energy. If they say or do something that is (fill in any emotion-annoying, frustrating, maddening…you get my drift) just intensify the rose love mantle and remember they are doing the best they can with the tools they have in their toolkit. Then repeat.

This can take you through a lot of potentially frustrating get-togethers. But if there is not enough loving rose colored misty vibe to get you through the afternoon here are a few more tips…

Go for a walk. Invite anyone to join you (you know who will or won’t) and get out for some fresh air. No one will argue with that!

Run some errands and get out for a bit. Tell everyone you forgot something and then bring back…something! Hahahah! Does not have to be huge, a bag of special coffee or a CD of holiday music or extra water. The idea is just to get out of the house for a bit and BE.

Escape to another room alone and check email. Everyone understands email. Stretch it out for as long as is comfortable for you.

If you can get away with it, take a lot of naps. You do not even have to sleep, just escape into a spare room, possibly pop on your iPod and relax.

Last but not least, take a long bath. Sea salts, bubble bath…get in there and luxuriate for a bit! Lock the door, pop on your iPod and wallow in being ALONE.

Even I would not suggest you START the 28 Day Soul Coaching program during the height of the holiday season. There is just too much distraction going on for most of us to get the optimum benefit from it during this time of uber-distractions. But we CAN maintain our center and stay focused on our own form of self-care during this time.

Here are a few tips and hints to help you keep your Soul’s Center during the Holidays

• It does not matter if you are religious or not, the energy of our planet is immersed in that of the Spiritual at this time of year. Tap into the collective unconscious of all things spiritual and enjoy being one with your fellow mankind.
• Set limits and stick to them. This means spending limits, eating/drinking limits, number of events to attend limits and limit the time spent on anything that does not bring you joy (some is unavoidable, so limit).
• Give to the charity of your choice. I love Kiva.org.
• Have realistic expectations. You know that Norman Rockwell Christmas portrait in your mind? Throw it out and think Christmas Story! That is closer to most of our realities.
• Get enough sleep, take your vitamins and oh yeah, get enough sleep.
• Spend some time outside everyday, even if it is NW Minnesota cold. Make yourself. I pretend I am in an old 40s movie, gracefully meandering in the snow…looking glamorous. Yes, I said I pretend.
• Treat yourself; get a massage, a fun intuitive reading, have your hands read, whatever would give you a lift.
• Maintain your meditation practice. Period. Just do it…everyday!
• If you do not meditate, start now. This is one practice that will be worth beginning during the holidays. Even five minutes a day will help keep you centered (even if just for a moment at a time).
• Most of all…Have fun! Treat yourself. This is a time of JOY…maintain YOUR JOYFULNESS!