Annie Buckley

For me, this December brings a move across town and a looming deadline. With day-to-day items packed into boxes—scanner and yoga cards included—I thought, ‘oh no! How will I write Tuesday’s Treat ?’ But moving has been a great reminder that patterns are meant to be broken. So this month’s post looks a little different, but the change is a perfect metaphor for the season. No matter what is happening in your life, December is bound to bring stress along with the fun. Let’s ride the waves of changing circumstances and stay open to love and laughter this season.

Despite our best-laid holiday plans, schedules change, children cry, and cookies burn. This December, how about trying an experiment? Wherever you notice an expectation of what you want to happen, replace it with wonder at what is happening around you. When you sense disappointment, ask yourself what you hoped for that didn’t pan out, and then take a look at what is happening: How can you turn the present into the present? It sounds corny, I know, but the present moment really is the most beautiful gift we can receive and the holiday season offers many wonderful opportunities to enjoy it with family and friends! So let go of expectations and embrace curiosity.

Try the breathing exercise below and teach it to your children. Make your way with grace and acceptance through the busy days of December with breath as a reminder of the beauty of right now.

Traffic Light Breath
Practice this exercise whenever you notice tension or stress. (Exercise common sense—don’t do this while driving or doing something that requires your complete attention and focus.)
Red is for stop. For children, turn it into ‘freeze’ to make it more like a game.
Yellow is for pause. Take a deep, relaxed breath. Imagine breath filling your whole body. Feel your body relax. Let your breath go slowly and peacefully. Repeat as many times as you like. If you can, close your eyes, or cup your palms gently over your eyes, as you breathe. Let go of any expectations, pressures, deadlines, or other concerns for what is happening.
Green is for go. Return your focus to what is happening around you. Look at the situation as if seeing it for the first time. Notice the people, the colors, the air, the activity. Bring curiosity and awareness.

Wishing you a joyous and peaceful holiday season!
~Annie

For more information on Annie Buckley’s Kids Yoga Deck or Once Upon a Time: Creative Writing Fun for Kids, please see Chronicle Books.com or anniebuckley.com.