” You must learn to be still in the midst of activity and to be vibrantly alive in repose” , Indira Gandhi
Here we are once again in the season of religious holidays for many during this hectic month. Even if a person does not believe in or celebrate any of the holidays, it is impossible not to get caught up in the frenzy and activities of the month. Universally it is generally the women who organize and prepare the food, buy gifts, plan social events and deal with the family relationships which are often fraught with challenges . In the Western world language it is often ”Mrs. Santa Claus” who does the majority of the work!
I have little to say this month except to give thought to those of us with fibromyalgia who struggle day-to-day, just trying to remain calm in the midst of such overwhelming activities. Worry about the economy, poverty, health, family dynamics, and wars are disturbing in and of themsleves. Add to this mix the stress of the frantic responsibilities of the season, which often falls to women, along with living with fibromyalgia, and the result is more pain and fatigue, more hyper stimulation of the nervous system(brain). There is even more cause this season to “change our brain” and our actions by paying attention to positive neuroplasticity(see other blogs on this topic) so that we can have a smoother transition into the new year.
As we approach the winter solstice, remember to “stay warm and be cool” as my favourtie Canadian jazz radio broadcaster Ross Porter used to say.
Happy Solstice!