This year my Countdown to Christmas is a nontraditional Advent Calendar centering (pun intended) on mindfulness.
On the front of each card is neat little picture, and on the back are the instructions for the short meditation.
Today, the 19th Day of Advent … TAKE A CHRISTMAS LIGHTS STROLL.
Here are today’s instructions:
This mindful walking exercise is to be done once darkness has fallen. Step outside and take yourself on a tour of the neighbourhood Christmas lights.
Take your time. Start by concentrating on your breathing. Walk slowly, let other thoughts and concerns slide away. Then, turn your focus towards all things Christmas.
Look at all the lights and decorations that have been put up. The trees and fairy lights in the windows, the displays outside the houses, from the modest and minimal to the bright and ostentatious. Observe everything you see: the colours, the shapes, the motifs, the characters. Consider the creativity, joy and care that has been put into the displays. Without judgement, name the emotions that seeing them makes you feel. Consider what the decorations represent. Think about how each display functions individually and as part of a communal whole.
As you feast your eyes on the lights, take note of any other senses being engaged. Feel and smell the cool evening air as your breathe it in, listen for music and other sounds.
When you finish your walk, consider how your thoughts and feelings have progressed. How have the lights and decorations of your local community made you feel?
NealEnJoy 