Stay Calm & Connected with Loved Ones

Today I offer a simple yet profound practice for being fully present with your loved ones and the world around you while also remaining connected to your truest self.

Listen. Feel. Observe. Breathe. Repeat.

The holidays are a time to gather with friends and family, filled with visions of joy and laughter. Yet, these moments can sometimes leave us feeling disconnected, exhausted, or emotionally drained when sincere connection is missing.

Distractions are common during celebrations—whether it's the chaos of activity, hidden emotions, or mental habits like comparing, judging, or defending. These tendencies can create distance between you and your loved ones.

This season, I invite you to try a transformative practice called the Loop of Awareness.

Taught to me during my Breath of Bliss Training by Christobel Zamar and rooted in the teachings of Katie Hendricks, Ph.D., this practice is a simple way to stay grounded and present. It involves alternating your attention between what’s happening inside you and the world around you.

Here’s how it works:

• Take a breath and notice something inside you—a physical sensation, an emotion, or a thought.
• On your next breath, shift your attention outward—observe something in your surroundings, like a texture, light, sound, or another person.
• Keep alternating, moving your attention in and out, breathing with each observation. Feel free to take a few breaths in each direction.

This flow of attention revitalizes your energy, deepens your presence, and invites a sense of wonder into the moment.

You’ll find yourself simply being—free of judgment, attachment, or the need to act.

Try it now:

1. Soften your gaze and feel something within—perhaps a sensation, emotion, or thought. Breathe and acknowledge it.
2. Shift your focus outward—notice light, textures, sounds, or the presence of someone near you. Breathe and observe.
3. Move your attention back inside, then out again, letting your awareness flow naturally.

This practice helps align your nervous system, enrich your energy, and deepen your relationships. It’s the art of being present—with yourself, your surroundings, and your loved ones.

Let your presence this holiday season be the gift that keeps on giving.

Listen. Feel. Observe. Breathe. Repeat.

With gratitude,