Preparing for Advent

As we get ready for the Advent season, I like to take some time to reflect on what the impending arrival of Jesus and what it means to me.  It can be really easy to get swept away with to do lists, spending money, and running from place to place.  

I do not practice regular meditation, but the times that I do, I find it useful and meaningful, perhaps this will be a resolution for 2023!  One of my favourite mediations is one that guides you through the five senses and singling out and focusing on each one.  I thought I would put together a guide for myself (and maybe you) to engage in your own holiday mediation.  It may be that you actually set yourself up to sense each one, or just spend some time of stillness and imagine each of these things that have a bit of a theme.  Now I'm preparing for Christmas, but I think this practice could be used by anyone regardless of your faith.

So when you're feeling a little overwhelmed, take a few minutes and run though your five senses: 

Touch - Cozy blanket, flannel sheets, fur of a pet

Smell - Pine needles, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, oranges

Taste - Gingerbread, cardamom cookies, chocolate, apple cider

Hear - Peaceful piano carols and hymns

See - Twinkle lights, snow falling, pink skies