The Yin and Yang of Beating Holiday Stress

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Donna_Gallers]Donna Gallers

As we approach the Winter Solstice (the shortest day of the year), many of us also observe holidays that celebrate light in the midst of darkness, warmth coming in from the cold, and miracles taking place where they seemed impossible.

The public face of this season is one of celebration, parties, gift-giving, and endless good cheer. That's all good and much of it sincere, but many of us also experience this as an extremely stressful period, with added burdens on our time, financial situations, emotions, and energy. The news of the world remains challenging, the commercialization intense, and we may wonder how we can truly feel joyful amidst all these conflicting energies.

This is a time to remember, look for, and hold out for the light wherever you can find it -- be it outside in the world or inside yourself. Darkness and light are aspects of yin and yang, the opposing and at the same time interconnected forces of the natural world. Each is found within the other, and each arises or gives way to the other, as the Solstice gives way to the longer and lighter days that follow.

For some of us the light, or lightness at this time of year can be found in the company of people we treasure; for others perhaps a walk in nature, or the bright lights of a city night, make our heart glisten. It's okay to acknowledge the moments of darkness, fear, anger, loneliness, disillusionment, etc., as they allow us to also transform and welcome the complementary experiences of exuberance, joy, laughter, relaxation, and inner peace. Know who you are and embrace your version, or vision, of light, warmth and miracles. This will help carry you through the stresses of the holidays and throughout the year(s) ahead.

Donna Gallers, LMT, CHHP, AADP is a licensed massage therapist, holistic health/nutrition counselor, and qigong teacher based in New York City. Her bodywork practice centers on Clinical and Process Acupressure, integrative forms of bodywork that promote better health and renewed energy by involving the client in his or her own healing process. She takes a similarly integrative approach to nutrition and health counseling. http://www.donnagallers.com http://www.dgallers.vpweb.com

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