A Thanksgiving Pause

​Let today be a reminder to take a moment and pause.  Be still and notice the good parts of your world.  Allow the bustle and expectations to happen and just observe.  It will all get done.  Enjoy it!  Move with the flow of things, but don't try to rush it, or catch it, or impress it.  This week every year begins the month long race for the perfect deal or gift or experience.  Our emails are already full of pre-black Friday, black Friday, small business Saturday, and cyber Monday deals we're supposed to be ready for or miss out on.  The hustle of the holidays is constantly in our faces.  This creates a major stagnation of our energy or qi in TCM.  Think about how your body responds when you're constantly rushing against the clock.  We clench our jaw, hunch up our shoulders, hold our breath, and end up with a headache.

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​This is qi stagnation.  When your body is full of qi stagnation, it makes it difficult to enjoy a meal.  The digestion also gets stuck.  The body has trouble resting and digesting when stressed.  We all know how this kind of indigestion, bloating, and discomfort feels.  Instead of experiencing this all too familiar combination of tension today, do your best (and I will too), to notice when those things are happening.  Exhale.  Drop your shoulders.  Open your jaw.  Remind yourself that it will all get done.  Sit and enjoy a meal and the company of those you love.  Move with the flow of the day without rushing.  You'll still get to that second gathering.  There will be another great deal on a gift tomorrow. 

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Enjoy the moment today, right now, and allow your qi to flow freely.....and give thanks.  ​
Happy Thanksgiving!!