Giving Presence

Not sure why it is the way it is, but the holidays are stressful. It always feels like there isn't enough time to do all the things that we need to do. And perhaps we are under more pressure during these times with all the parties and cheer and shopping and presents. It's a reason why this December yoga challenge that I've been doing has been a blessing for me. I'll admit that I have skipped a couple days, but it has motivated me to do yoga a lot more than I would have done otherwise.

I'm also doing this thing where I try not to be on my phone all the time, especially when I'm eating dinner or my husband is trying to talk to me (he hates it!). I think that I use my phone to escape from life and what's currently happening, but I need to be give presence to people that I care about by listening and paying attention to them. It seems like such an obvious thing, but I have been guilty in the past of paying attention to my phone more than the people around me. SORRY!

Here are a couple pics from my challenge.

Love this passive hip opener.

Chaturanga Dandasana (low plank). This looks easy, but it's harder than it looks!

Tree pose in front of our Christmas Tree! It's fake and came pre-lit. I love it! XD

This is my first time doing this pose. It's easier than it looks, but still hard for me. but I'm so surprised that I was even able to do this!

I love that when I do yoga, I'm able to just be present in the moment and listen to what my body is telling me. I feel like it's super good for my mental health. I am prone to anxiety and I noticed that yoga has alleviated a lot of those anxious feelings for me. It has taught me to let go of things that I cannot change and I am thankful for that.

Also, I'm going to also admit that I have skipped the last two days (I still have to make them up!). I briefed the wing deputy commander and other command leaders and representatives about energy and water usage on the base this past fiscal year. It was incredibly stressful for me because it was my first time and I do not like speaking publicly. However, I survived. Then I jumped off the wagon by taking a nap immediately after work and just LETTING GO. Haha. Then Dash (who is our new kitty, btw!!! I guess I'll write about him later) had his first vet visit yesterday (which was my day off). I also mailed out my Christmas presents to my parents and sister (haaayyyy!). Then we had my squadron's Christmas Party last night! Today we have a birthday party and then a Christmas Pig Roast to go to... It's definitely been hard to find time to get on my mat these past couple of days. Apologies. But I finally feel stress-free now. Well, there are still a couple things that I need to get done at work before Christmas, but I'm not even going worry about it. :)

How are you all faring during the holiday season? I am so behind on reading my blog feed!