From Rush to Rest: A Gentle Approach to Seasonal Reflection
This season is often rich with sentiment. It’s a time when many of us pause to reflect, sift through memories and milestones, and ask ourselves what it means to end one chapter and begin another. For some, this process could feel like a mad dash towards the finish line - cramming in things to do, perhaps speed-reading to meet the goal of a certain number of books read this year, or picking up a hobby that we dropped midway through the year just to check it off our list.
But what if we reframe the way we approach this season? Instead of viewing it as an ending or beginning, we could see it as a moment to reconnect with ourselves. The turn of the year offers a natural pause, an opportunity to step off the ever-rolling treadmill of time and catch our breath. A good, deep breath can feel so incredibly nourishing, especially for those of us who felt like we were hurtling forward this year. We can use this pause not to dwell on what we did or didn’t achieve, but to honor where we are and where we’re heading.
At Equinimity, we embrace this gentle approach no matter the time of the year. Our gatherings and offerings often include ways to help our community find peace in the present moment. As we wrap up the year, we invite everyone to take a collective, nourishing, mindful breath through one of the grounding exercises below:
Grounding Exercises for the Senses this Season
We can give ourselves the gift of kindness this season through these mindful moments. Our hope is for everyone to find that meaningful pause amid a busy season, and to embrace the stillness that allows for reflection, gratitude, and renewal. By taking these mindful pauses, we can reconnect with ourselves, our intentions, and the joy that often gets lost in the hustle.
But what if we reframe the way we approach this season? Instead of viewing it as an ending or beginning, we could see it as a moment to reconnect with ourselves. The turn of the year offers a natural pause, an opportunity to step off the ever-rolling treadmill of time and catch our breath. A good, deep breath can feel so incredibly nourishing, especially for those of us who felt like we were hurtling forward this year. We can use this pause not to dwell on what we did or didn’t achieve, but to honor where we are and where we’re heading.
At Equinimity, we embrace this gentle approach no matter the time of the year. Our gatherings and offerings often include ways to help our community find peace in the present moment. As we wrap up the year, we invite everyone to take a collective, nourishing, mindful breath through one of the grounding exercises below:
Grounding Exercises for the Senses this Season
- Sight: Choose an object in your environment that brings you comfort or joy. Spend a minute observing its details—the colors, shapes, textures, and how the light interacts with it. As you do this, take mindful breaths: inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four as you focus on a detail, and exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of six, letting your body relax with each breath.
- Sound: Close your eyes and focus on the sounds around you. Whether it’s the hum of a heater, birds chirping, or the faint rustle of leaves, let the sounds anchor you to the present. Pair this with your breath: inhale deeply as you tune into one sound, and exhale slowly, letting the sound wash over you and draw you into the moment.
- Touch: Hold a textured object, like a smooth stone, soft fabric, or even your favorite mug. Pay attention to how it feels in your hands. Is it cool or warm? Rough or soft? Let the sensation ground you in the here and now.
- Smell: Light a candle, brew a cup of tea, or simply breathe in fresh air. Focus on the scent and how it makes you feel. Allow the scent to transport you to a place of calm. As you do, inhale fully, letting the scent fill your senses, and exhale slowly, releasing any stress or distraction.
- Taste: Savor something small and flavorful—a piece of chocolate, a sip of tea, or a slice of fruit. Pay attention to the taste, texture, and the way it feels in your mouth. Let it remind you of the simple pleasures available to you in the present moment
We can give ourselves the gift of kindness this season through these mindful moments. Our hope is for everyone to find that meaningful pause amid a busy season, and to embrace the stillness that allows for reflection, gratitude, and renewal. By taking these mindful pauses, we can reconnect with ourselves, our intentions, and the joy that often gets lost in the hustle.
