By Irene Conlan -

We now have Thanksgiving and “Black Friday” behind us and are in the “home stretch” running toward Christmas.

So much to do.

Have you finished your shopping? Have you even started it?

So much to do.

Are you feeling a little frantic in the pit of your stomach about how much there is to do and how expensive it is?

So much to do.

Stop right there.

Right now, where you’re sitting, stop. Take your fingers off the keyboard. Take a long slow deep breath, so deep that your belly expands and you can’t take any more air into your lungs. Hold it a few seconds. And then exhale it – slowly.  Do another breath, this time with the intention of breathing in relaxation and, as you exhale, letting go of all the tension in your body. You may need to do another one of these deep, relaxing breaths.  Now, think of something or someone you appreciate really appreciate. Feel the appreciation as you let them linger in your mind.

For example, today I appreciate my brother. Today is  his birthday and, since age is simply a number, I won’t tell you how old he is – but he’s always been older than me. If I could have designed my own brother I would make him exactly the same as he is. When we were kids he teased me  continuously but was always there if I needed him. And as adults we have been great friends. There have been long stretches of time over the years that we didn’t have much contact but that didn’t stop our love and admiration one for another. He’s one of those people that you look forward to being with because of his sense of humor and interest in so many things. I appreciate him so much and I send him love when I think of him. Yes, today,  I especially appreciate my brother.

Now. who or  what do you appreciate? Take a moment to formulate your thoughts and put them into words  and feelings of appreciation.

You might think of things you appreciate about the season – there is a special magic feeling about the end of the year holidays if you relax enough to enjoy them and feel the energy. I usually don’t enjoy going to the mall, but I love going during December,  watching the people and looking in the windows. Have you watched a woman shop for her children when she is making loving decisions about that special gift for each one? Or can you feel the love from the woman who is finding something special for her beloved – she touches it, examines it, smiling as she thinks how much he’ll like it.  There is something so lovely about being an observer of loving purchases. To do that you have to be fully present in the moment and be patient.  Appreciate those who have to shop in a frenzy, and cherish the experience of witnessing the loving purchase when you have the opportunity to do so.

Look around for things to appreciate. Every time you feel yourself getting anxious, feeling rushed, wondering how you’ll get it all done, take a deep relaxing breath, and bring to mind something or some one you appreciate. Make it a new habit for this season and, perhaps carry it into 2010.

Nothing I know of makes the day or the season go better that true appreciation.