wellness

Thriving during the Holidays with Grace and Gratitude
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Thriving during the Holidays with Grace and Gratitude

Recognizing that many individuals may need a little extra love and support this time of year with the holidays, this message is intended to help you thrive with grace and gratitude. We can all benefit from more self-love and self-care, especially at this time of year.

It seems the past few years have really offered its share of challenges. While overcoming the proverbial storms we have weathered and those that may continue to arise, we are also being shown the contrasting experience and the silver lining within every experience. Throughout it all, we must remember that everything is energy and awareness is everything. Choosing to see each experience from a Higher soul perspective also enables us to view if there is a lesson being presented to us with the challenge or if it is an opportunity to learn and grow. Staying in a space of grace while embracing an attitude of gratitude assists us with this process, especially during the holiday season.

The period between Thanksgiving and New Year may stir up feelings of days gone by as well as worries related to holidays. As we recognize, the holidays can be a very stressful time for a lot of people. This stress may involve shopping for gifts and the associated financial aspects as well as the interaction with family during get-togethers. A gamut of emotions may arise as we reflect on previous holiday experiences and even remember loved ones who are no longer with us in physical form.

Please recognize that it is absolutely necessary for you to honor yourself and what you are feeling, especially during the holiday season. Consciously choose to acknowledge any emotions you are feeling. You are in control of your thoughts, words, actions, emotions and responses. You choose how you wish to perceive an experience and how you wish to respond to it. Remember, each individual is having their own unique human life experience, so it is always beneficial to be the observer whenever possible. Choosing to practice self-care and self-love will help us thrive during this time with grace and gratitude.

Unity’s Third Principle states, “Our thoughts have creative power to influence events and determine our experiences” (unity.org). Therefore, we do have the power within us to create the reality we seek and that does include setting our intentions for a peaceful holiday season. Instead of feeling stressed and overwhelmed, we can consciously and intentionally choose how we wish to feel as we approach any interaction or experience.

With that, I would like to offer you 10 tips to energetically assist you in having a stress-free holiday season or simply assist with reducing stress.
Download a pdf copy of Tips to Thrive during the Holidays with Grace and Gratitude

Tip #1 – Be Here Now

Become aware if you are dwelling in the past or constantly thinking about the future. The now is where we create. Spending time in reflection of past experiences and considering our future is part of our human life experience. We just don’t want to miss out on the present moment.

Tip #2 – Just Breathe

Breath is life-force energy. We breathe naturally/autonomously. When we breathe consciously, we have the ability to modify the energy within ourselves, which, in turn, can affect the energy around us. Focus on breathing in peace, love, ease and compassion and then exhale fear, worry and doubt. When you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stressed, uncertain or just a bit wonky, remember to just breathe!

Tip #3 – Invest in You

Take time for you and honor your emotions. Choosing to make yourself a priority is essential. Practicing self-love and self-care are extremely important for our physical health and mental/emotional well-being. Intentionally investing time and energy in your well-being will benefit you and those around you.

Tip #4 – Honor your Emotions

In each moment, allow yourself to feel the emotion as it arises. Rather, than setting the feeling aside for later when it’s more convenient for you to feel it, begin a practice of honoring the emotion in the moment. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you!

Tip #5 – Don’t Take Things Personally

What other people say and do is a reflection or projection of their own personal reality. The same is true for you. Communicate clearly to the best of your ability and don’t take things personally.

Tip #6 – Cocoon for Clarity

In essence, cocooning involves pulling your energy in as you become more aware of energy drains, whether it be people, places or things. Gather your energy and intentionally bring it back to you. Tune in and listen to the guidance you are receiving. Cocooning may also involve resting/sleeping and establishing boundaries.

Tip #7 – Strive for Balance

Take time for you as you take time for others. Balance work with play. Balance giving with receiving. There is no need to assign a ratio for the balance. Simply choose to recognize when adjustments may be necessary.

Tip #8 – Release and Receive

Release feeling obligated to reciprocate when someone gives you a gift. Allow yourself the ability to receive without giving. Honor yourself and what you are feeling, but there is no need to hold onto the feel bad or guilt energy. Simply receive and sincerely say, “Thank you!” If you are the giver, release the expectation that a gift will be reciprocated. Be mindful of the intention behind giving.

Tip #9 – Give the Gift of You

If you typically exchange gifts with a friend, family member or co-worker, you may be guided to do something different this year. Many individuals do purchase what they need when they need it, so you may choose to forgo giving a material gift and instead give the gift of you. Plan an excursion or get together and spend time with someone you love. You may also want to volunteer your time or donate to a favorite charity or worthwhile cause. Perhaps, you may bake a special treat or create a handmade gift. These thoughtful gifts and the gift of your presence is immeasurable and greatly appreciated.

Tip #10 – Be Thankful

Gratitude is an expression of thankfulness and an acknowledgement of appreciation. Gratitude assists with the flow of abundance. Acknowledging and expressing gratitude for all you are thankful for radiates this energy out into the universe and returns in more blessings. Being grateful for the blessings within the challenges is essential as well. As often as you can, choose to express your gratitude for that which you are thankful for.

Practicing self-love and self-care every day and not just during the holiday season will create a ripple effect throughout our life. Instead of isolating yourself from others, consciously choose to empower and honor yourself with the choices that you make. Since you are mind, body and spirit, it is essential to take care of your physical and energetic health as well as your mental/emotional well-being. Rather than simply survive, you can actually thrive during this time with grace and gratitude. Unity’s First Principle is intended to comfort us as it reminds us that, “God is everywhere and always present in every circumstance. This divine energy underlies and animates all of existence” (unity.org).

I wish you peace. I wish you love. I wish you joy. I wish you happiness. I hope the upcoming holidays are joyful, relaxing and stress-free!

Journey with Unity Principles
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Journey with Unity Principles

Unity Principles first came into my awareness when I attended a class at Unity Church of Overland Park in Overland Park, Kansas in 2009. I gravitated towards Unity’s teachings and was eager to learn more. The discoveries freed me from fear-based religious oppression and have given me courage to forge ahead on my path of learning and discovery. My life has changed considerably since choosing to practice and embody these universal principles.

In addition to practicing these teachings, I have been guided to share them with others. On several occasions, I have been invited to be the Sunday service inspirational guest speaker at Unity Center of Tulsa in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Unity of Fayetteville in Fayetteville, Arkansas; Unity Church of the Ozarks in Bentonville, Arkansas and Unity of the Hills Spiritual Center in Branson, Missouri. I am so grateful to Charles and Myrtle Fillmore for being spiritual pioneers and reminding us of our own ability to heal and create. Fortunately, I have also made the trek to visit Unity Village several times, and I always feel blessed to be there.

I invite you to read my story, Unity Principles Freed Me from Fear, in the May/June 2022 issue of Unity Magazine.

Information shared below was obtained directly from Unity.org website

Unity Teachings

Whether you have a strong spiritual foundation, are just at the beginning of your spiritual journey, or do not believe in God at all, Unity offers spiritual insights and guidance for all people. While having its origins rooted in Christianity, the Unity teachings bring together ancient wisdom from many faith traditions. You will not find dogma in Unity, and we honor all spiritual paths.

Because we know that each person comes to Unity at a different place on their journey, we invite you to use the language that resonates with you. Whether you like to say God, the Universe, Spirit, divine truth, Love, or some other phrase, we believe that this divine energy is all the same: a benevolent expression of goodness, order, abundance, and love in the world. (Unity.org)

Unity Principles

These ancient, universal principles taught by Unity offer foundational guidance for living abundantly and staying in tune with your own divine nature.

  1. God is everywhere and always present in every circumstance. This divine energy underlies and animates all of existence.
  2. Human beings are innately good because they are connected to and an expression of Spirit.
  3. Our thoughts have creative power to influence events and determine our experiences.
  4. Prayer and meditation connect and align us to our own spiritual nature and to God.
  5. It is not enough to understand spiritual teachings. We must apply our learning in all areas of life, incorporating them into our thoughts, words, and actions. (Unity.org)
Being Nice is Really Easy
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Being Nice is Really Easy

I recently traveled to Lily Dale, NY to teach a few workshops. The trip was my first flight since September 2019. The flying experience was different, but it felt good to travel. My visit to Lily Dale was truly magical and one that re-energized my spirit. Since first visiting there in 2014, I always fondly look forward to another return.

Numerous instances during this trip reminded me of how important it is to be present, adaptable and flexible, while practicing compassion for our self and those around us. After offering workshops virtually during the 2020 season, the community of Lily Dale warmly welcomed visitors for the 2021 season. As adjustments were being made to staff and processes, it was essential to go with the flow or frustration and disappointment would be felt with the changes. Everyone was doing the best they could, and I recognized that. I was grateful for the opportunity to teach and so very thankful to be in the sacred space, so nothing was going to put a damper on my mood.

When we let compassion change us, we experience deep and unlimited peace.
Our perceptions are refined, and we are given the ability to see people differently.
~ Debbie Ford of The Ford Institute

The return flight home to Oklahoma proved to be quite challenging on many levels, but was also very magical.  Upon arrival to the Buffalo airport, the check in line and baggage drop was lengthy. Not quite sure what was going on, from my observation, it seemed to be airline specific as the other airlines did not appear to have the same issues. Practicing patience was imperative, but also being proactive and allowing ample time was essential. Many passengers were expressing their unhappiness as their flights were departing shortly, and they were unable to check in. I spotted one man and sensed his panic, so I offered him some kind words and assured him that it would be okay.

As I made my way through security and to my departure gate, I later saw the same man I had spoken with. Turns out, he was on the same flight. After boarding and taking off, we progressed to Dallas. I was tired from having just a couple hours of sleep the night before, so I hoped to rest on the flight. Unable to get comfortable, I ended up sharing conversation with the two gentlemen in my row. At some point, the man next to me mentioned that I had spoken to his brother earlier, and he appreciated the reassurance. They were obviously seated separately, so I noted the synchronicity at play.

Heavy storms deterred our plane (and many other planes) from landing in Dallas. As we were waiting out the storm in a holding pattern somewhere above the intended destination, the fuel level needed attention, so we were diverted to Houston as were many other planes. After waiting our turn to fuel, we departed some time later for Dallas. During this time, many individuals were expressing their frustration verbally, and sometimes directing their emotions to the flight crew and fellow passengers.

Thankfully, my seat mates were very understanding of the situation as we continued to converse with one another. Although we were also tired, thirsty and hungry, we knew that this situation was beyond our control, so we could choose to succumb to the challenges or rise above them. Choosing to express our gratitude to the flight crew for their efforts helped to shift the heavy energy that surrounded us. As we landed and finally made our way to the gate, a woman sitting in the row in front of us stood up and inquired if we were traveling together or knew each other. She conveyed that she enjoyed listening to our conversation, and it helped her to remain calm as well.

Once we were off the plan, I sought out assistance to be rebooked on another flight to Tulsa since mine had departed over 5 hours earlier. I quickly recognized that there were hundreds and possibly thousands of people in the same situation as I made my way to the customer service desk. I knew that my solution would not be resolved standing in the line waiting to be assisted. I recognized the woman who spoke to me prior to getting off the plane. She looked as overwhelmed as I felt, so I assured her that calling in to customer service would be our best option. We both called, and she spoke to someone first. I looked at her and requested that she ask if the customer service agent could assist me once she was rebooked. Gratefully, she asked, and the agent agreed, so within just a few minutes, I also had a flight. We parted ways, and I affirmed ease and peace for both of us to our final destination.

Making my way to the gate, the flight was also delayed as many others were hoping to make their flight. While waiting, I chatted briefly with the man behind me and the one across the aisle. They expressed similar stories of not-so-nice behavior being exhibited. Although no one likes to experience discomfort or delays, we do need to recognize what we are in control of, which is our thoughts, words, actions, emotions, perception and responses. We can choose to be the calm within the storm or at least recognize that attaining the peace within will assist in any chaotic situation. Despite the circumstances, I realize that it is very easy to be just be nice. Practicing kindness and compassion goes a long way during challenging situations.

About the Author

Shelly Wilson is an author, intuitive medium and conscious creator who is passionate about helping people wake up to their greatness. She supports others as they navigate their own journey into consciousness to experience aliveness. Shelly’s books, 28 Days to a New YOU, Connect to the YOU Within, Journey into Consciousness and Embracing the Magic Within, are available in paperback and eBook. She is also the creator of Journey into Consciousness: Cards of Empowerment and Clarity Cards.

http://shellyrwilson.com
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To schedule a private session with Shelly, please click here to access Acuity Scheduler and schedule your appointment time. https://shellyrwilson.as.me

Journey into the Holiday Season with Ease and Peace
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Journey into the Holiday Season with Ease and Peace

2020 has offered its share of challenges, including those related to environment, weather, health and financial. In addition to these challenges, the holiday season can already be a very stressful time for a lot of people. This stress may involve shopping for gifts and the associated financial aspects as well as the interaction with family during get-togethers. With the health concerns, many are also worried about gathering with those they love.

If you feel anxious and tend to dread the holiday season, take a moment to breathe in deeply and let go of the lower and heavier vibrational emotions of fear, worry, doubt, regret, guilt, shame, anger, frustration, etc. and breathe in the higher vibration of love. Allow yourself to acknowledge those individuals and situations that are triggers for you as well as those people, places and things that push your buttons, so that you can clear those triggers from affecting you anymore.

When you notice a tightness in your jawline and recognize that you may grind your teeth or clench your jaws, this can be an indication of holding in the frustrations. It may also mean that there are words you are not expressing. It could also just mean that you are stressed, or perhaps, it is all of the above. If you realize that you are not expressing yourself fully, you may be guided to at least say what you need to telepathically/energetically if you feel that you are unable to verbalize the words at that time.

In those instances that you feel annoyed, bothered or triggered, in that moment state aloud or in your mind, “This bothers me. This is affecting me. I feel annoyed.” Express whatever wordage that would apply. In doing so, you are choosing to clear the energy in that moment rather than allowing it to build.

Recognize that it is absolutely necessary for you to honor yourself and what YOU are feeling, especially during the holiday season. Consciously choose to acknowledge any emotions you are feeling and then release them. You are in control of your thoughts, words, actions, emotions and reactions. You choose how you wish to perceive an experience and how you wish to respond to it. Remember, each individual is having their own unique human life experience.

Ways to Reduce Stress
Here are a few tips to energetically assist you in having a stress-free holiday season or simply assist with reducing stress:

Tip #1 – Be Present
Focus your energy on being present and in the NOW at this very moment. Allow yourself to become fully aware and completely present right here, right now.

Tip #2 – Breathe
Take a moment to breathe in deeply and exhale anyone and anything that no longer serves you (is good for you). We breathe naturally and autonomously. This is a reminder to breathe consciously.

Tip #3 – Ground Your Energy
Grounding your energy keeps you present and in the moment. Keeping firmly planted energetically helps prevent feelings of fuzziness or spacey-ness that can often disperse your personal energy. Staying hydrated and visualizing your legs as tree roots growing deep into the earth are simple ways to ground your energy.

Tip #4 – Center Your Energy
Centering your energy involves finding that calm spot deep inside yourself that is eternal being-ness. By centering your energy, you are able to more easily attain the peace within. In doing so, you are more likely to respond rather than react to your external circumstances.

Tip #5 – Release and Receive
Release feeling obligated to reciprocate when someone gives you a gift. Allow yourself the ability to receive without giving. If you are the giver, release the expectation that a gift will be reciprocated. Be mindful of the intention behind giving.

Tip #6 – Give the Gift of You
If you typically exchange gifts with a friend, family member or co-worker, you may be guided to do something different this year. Many individuals do purchase what they need when they need it, so you may choose to forgo giving a material gift and instead give the gift of you.

Tip #7 – Express your Gratitude
Acknowledging and expressing gratitude for all you are thankful for radiates this energy out into the universe and returns in more blessings.

Honoring yourself every day and not just during the holiday season will create a ripple effect throughout your life. Rather than isolating yourself, consciously choose to honor yourself. Remember, your mental/emotional well-being is a key aspect of your physical health. Consciously choose to journey into this holiday season with ease and peace.

Shelly Wilson is an author, intuitive medium and conscious creator who is passionate about helping people wake up to their greatness. She supports others as they navigate their own journey into consciousness to experience aliveness. Shelly’s books, 28 Days to a New YOU, Connect to the YOU Within, Journey into Consciousness and Embracing the Magic Within are available in paperback and eBook. She is also the creator of Cards of Empowerment and Clarity Cards.
ShellyRWilson.com
EmbracingTheMagicWithin.com