Honoring our Hearts in Traditions
As we move into the winter season, we find ourselves surrounded by reminders and symbols of holiday traditions, regardless of whether or how we participate. Because traditions are rooted in familial, cultural, religious, and/or spiritual meaning, we may have deep and complex feelings that arise during these times. Reflecting on how you relate to these messages and the traditions you take part in can be an insightful practice.
You may parse out elements of your traditions that are particularly meaningful to you. Maybe there is a particular meal you prepare every year with your family, or perhaps you engage in a volunteer or service experience each year. Allow yourself to open more fully to the importance your traditions have in your life.
As the holidays near, many people experience more stress than eager anticipation. Perhaps the holiday season shifts us into people-pleasing mode, and we act out of obligation rather than desire. The holidays may bring up memories that are deeply painful for us, or we may no longer resonate with our family’s rituals and celebrations.
Our traditions can evolve over time as our circumstances, family members, and even our internal world changes. How, where, and with whom we gather may shift over our lifetimes. What we choose to acknowledge and what we celebrate may even change.
When our traditions change because we have lost loved ones, we may find that these annual markers of time stir up our grief rather than joy. To care for ourselves, we might explore finding some comfort in familiar practices while also creating new rituals which can support us in processing our loss and continuing to be present with those we are still surrounded by.
Granting ourselves permission to experience this time of year differently may require both self-compassion and courage, especially if those with whom we spend this time have a desire for all that is meaningful for them in shared traditions.
Ultimately, we can greet this time of year as an opportunity to reflect, to look within our hearts, and to see what needs tending. We may discover what we look forward to, what is most meaningful, and whether any shifts would bring us closer to a whole-hearted experience.
