The Antidote to Overconsumption
Taking a Yin Approach
Earlier this month, we explored the value of yin energy and practicing receptivity, stillness, and introspection.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the natural rhythms surrounding us slow down in December. Yet our culture pushes constant consumption and exertion. But that doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. You can choose instead to slow down and protect your inner resources.
Today, we’ll reflect on the antidote to overconsumption, which is to find your center.
Questions for Reflection
Notice the sensation of consuming. Am I chasing a feeling?
Consider what you’re consuming. Where did it come from? Whose hands made it?
Will having this create the effect I’m hoping for? Is this where I want to put my time, energy, and money?
What and who matters most to me?
You can’t fully enjoy the people, places, and things that matter to you unless your attention is focused there.
Meditation for Relaxation
Practice this meditation to find your center:
Place your index finger just above and between your eyebrows. Close your eyes, gently looking up and inward toward the center of your head.
Bring your focus to your mind’s eye, where awareness lives as the observer and silent witness. Let your attention rest here and allow your whole body to soften.
Release your jaw and relax the muscles of your face and forehead. Balance your ears over your shoulders and let your chin angle down slightly. Rest your hands palms down on your thighs. Feel the sensation of the breath as it moves through the sinuses, into the chest and belly.
Feel relaxation spread into your thighs, knees, calves, ankles, feet, and toes. This is where concerns cease, a space free from judgement and assessment.
From the center of your head, notice your breath, neutral and still, calm and reflective. Allow your breath to breathe you, the eternal you, the you with no beginning and no end.
When your attention wanders, gently guide it back to rest in the center of your head. Observe what captures your attention without judging what you notice.
Building Lasting Peace in the Body
Ask yourself what’s essential for you this holiday season. What do you want to cultivate within yourself? Peace, ease, joy, simplicity, patience, love, connection? When you find your word, breathe it in. With each exhale, breathe out what you’re cultivating in all directions.
Slowly bring your awareness back to the room. As you open your eyes, keep your focus rooted in your mind’s eye. Practice observing life from the center of your head.
When we’re uncomfortable in our bodies and minds, we tend to consume more. It offers temporary relief by distracting us from the present moment, from ourselves and our inner dialogue, and from others.
Lasting peace in the body and mind comes from being present long enough to notice what we’re feeling and sit with it.
Wherever you are in your practice, you might reflect on this question: how can I grow my resources by sharing them, rather than taking more?
You may find this reframe feels freeing and more abundant than anything you’ve ever consumed.
Wishing you much peace this holiday season.