cultivating stillness and peace

In this frenzied stampede towards Christmas, it's not easy to keep from being trampled. I don't mean literally (though, I guess that could be possible as well). Perhaps it's just because I work in a shop that I am unable to avoid people at their holiday worst. Left to my own devices I would avoid the whole stampede and instead take my own Slow Walk to Christmas as my blogging friend Simone has been doing. What about you? Do you feel overwhelmed by the craziness of this time of year? The traffic. The lines. The crowds of people in the shops? Long to-do lists?

My solution is to cultivate stillness and peace. Here are a few ideas.

• when the kitty is meowing at your feet, stop what you're doing, sit down and spend a few minutes snuggling
• smile at strangers 
• light candles
• breathe
• go for walks
• do only as much as you can do and let the rest go
• spend some time reading

I recently read an article about the power of concentration, of mindfulness of meditation. It makes sense. 

Wishing the best for each of you, whether or not you celebrate Christmas, may your days be full of peace and Joy and love.