In the middle of the hustle and bustle find your sanctuary

Sanctuary – the dictionary defines sanctuary as “a place of refuge or safety”

Ahhh Christmas! Deck the Halls and Jingle the Bells!! Christmas is HERE!!! We always have a vision of the perfect Christmas in our heads of our home being warm and inviting and family peacefully coming together, and everyone being joyful and happy, and yes a sanctuary. But it’s nothing like that. We usually wait until the last minute to shop for gifts and every year we say to ourselves “Next year I’m going to start shopping earlier,” and then there’s the struggle of dragging the decor out of the attic. Then there is the search for that one manger or that one ornament that you just can’t find. Then there is the baking. The expectation is that you will create these amazing festive goodies that everyone will swoon over, and of course, they are nothing you have tried before, so that should be a winner (eye-roll). Then there is your home being overtaken by gifts, wrapping paper, and bags of flour, `sugar and décor. Before you know it, you are sitting in the middle of clutter with feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious. Oh, and let’s not forget the negative talk that will rear its ugly head with the “what were you thinking, You’re not a baker? He is not going to like that gift? Why is your tree so bare? You need MORE décor? A wreath on the front door? That’s it? Did you not see your neighbor’s front lawn?” In the past, it has been hard for me to find my sanctuary during the holidays, with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. But this year is different. This year I have actually scaled back and I don’t feel overwhelmed. The first thing I did was set up my extra room with two tables for gift wrapping and present making. Then I scaled back on my Christmas décor, you should have seen my family’s expressions. Instead of creating that mantle that is 6” deep in garland and candles and ornaments this year I went for four nutcrackers, the stockings, and the stocking holders. And speaking of nutcrackers I own over 200 of them and in the past, every one of them would be strategically placed around with house with the Christmas Village; but this year I only have ten nutcrackers on display and no Christmas Village. And you know what? My house still looks festive. Instead of baking 6 types of cookies and making a variety bag for my neighbors, I’m making 3 and they all have similar ingredients. And on the days that it becomes too overwhelming I go to my room (which I keep clean and neat because it is my sanctuary – unlike other rooms in my home filled with gifts, wrapping paper, amazon boxes, and goodies); I put my headphones on so I can drown everyone and everything out and for an hour and I decompress to some of my favorite meditation music (that I’m going to share with you). So if you’re feeling overwhelmed this holiday season make sure to take some time to yourself and find your sanctuary; if meditation is not your thing get a pedicure, go to the movies, get a massage, take a long hot bath, but do what you need to do for you so you can enjoy the holiday season.  Blessings to you and yours this holiday, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy New Year!

Author: Lei Rhyne, LPC, NCC, CHt.

Life can weigh you down, it can be overwhelming when you are juggling loved ones, children, work, parents, trauma, grief, loss, major life changes, etc. It can make you feel as if you are carrying the world on your shoulders and sometimes you need someone to help you unload it, explore it, and release it. My approach is one of guidance. My goal is to guide you through your struggles and pain and back to your true authentic self. I am an integrated therapist who believes in treating the mind, body, and soul using various theories and techniques. I help my clients explore their feelings, challenges, and behaviors and discover where they are stemming from. I guide my clients through acknowledging those feelings and reactions and work on changing the behaviors and bringing them to a place of acceptance. I use a variety of techniques including person-centered, solution-focused, cognitive behavior therapy, expressive art therapy, meditation, brainspotting, and psychodynamics. I have created a holistic and safe environment for you to unload your worries and fears. I believe that every person is worthy of acceptance and peace and I strive to help you meet your fullest protentional and embrace your uniqueness. View all posts by Lei Rhyne, LPC, NCC, CHt.