Be like a mountain.

A yoga teacher once gave a cue “to be like a mountain.”  She explained that a mountain is still, anchored in the earth, but stands tall and majestic. I loved the visual, and began to think about it. A mountain is the ultimate yin – solid, rooted in the ground, and still, despite the winds swirling around it. The holiday season, in contrast,  is very yang in nature -high energy, quickly moving, a constant hustle and bustle!  It is essential to balance it with times of yin – stillness, quiet, and calm. So when the whirlwind of the holidays swirls around you, and you start to feel restless, take a moment to think of the mountain. Anchor yourself by grounding yourself to the earth, and find stillness inside, despite the frenzy around you.

Just the vision of a tall mountain touching soft clouds is calming in itself. But you can apply the mantra of “be like a mountain” in little ways during the season.

Be present, and savor the moments. The majestic presence of a mountain is rooted in its stillness and calm. At a busy party,  take the moment to have a holiday treat, and really taste the flavor and enjoy it. In the hustle bustle of holiday shopping, take a break to sip some hot chocolate, or warm apple cider. Amongst the tearing open of presents, feel the joy, and take a mental snapshot. Be in these moments, and hold them in your heart.

Ground yourself. In a crowded store, stuck in traffic, or on a crowded subway, ground yourself by putting some focus on your feet, and also imagine your connection to the heavens.  The Kidney channel begins in the sole of the foot.  The Kidney is our fuel; our source of yin and yang.   Energetically reach up and out through the very top of the head, where several acupuncture channels meet.  The top of the head is where we connect to the heavens, just as the mountain kisses the clouds. You might imagine a “string” supporting you from above, as you gently press your feet into the ground below.

Be still. In the evening, before bed, prepare for an evening of restful sleep by standing in mountain pose at the edge of your bed.  Stand tall, grounded in your feet, with your hands by your sides, eyes closed.  Aim for a minute, work up to three.  Taking these few minutes of stillness in your evening will result in a more peaceful rest, which will prepare you for the busy-ness of the days to follow.

Stand tall. A mountain has a strong foundation, grounded in the earth, while simultaneously reaching toward the heavens. (This upward energy is its yang force, for yin and yang are never truly separate). Stand tall like the highest mountain – it  will make you look even better in your beautiful holiday outfit!

Nancy Byrne is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Board-Certified Herbalist.  Her practice, Breathing Space Acupuncture, is located in New York City. You can find more information and contact her at www.breathingspaceacupuncture.com, or at www.facebook.com/NancyByrneLAc.

http://acutakehealth.com/how-to-lower-stress-and-survive-the-holidays-with-acupuncture

Wishing you a happy, healthy, holiday season!

Nancy

I am offering a Spring special: 2 (two) acupuncture sessions for $150.This includes an initial office visit (90 minutes) and a follow up visit (60 minutes) , and is a savings of $65.  For each session purchased, $30 will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Gift certificates may also be purchased at this rate.

Cancer affects all of our lives.  It recently dealt a blow to my family, with the sudden diagnosis of my beloved father.  We lost him only 3 months later, in January 2011.

Dad was an avid runner and a track coach.  Last year, in his honor, I  participated in the NYC Triathlon.  I swam .9 miles (in the Hudson!), biked 25 miles (to the Bronx and back, and got 3 flat tires!) and ran 6.2 miles (finishing joyfully in Central Park).  I trained with Team in Training, and with the support of several friends, family members, and friends of friends, raised close to $3000 toward cancer research and patient support.

The training helped me cope with my tremendous loss.  I did one of the things that was closest to my father – run!  Along the way I met amazing teammates, coaches, and survivors. And I was touched by each and every donation. So, I am back to do it again this year!

My goal is to raise another $3000 for  the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). You can do something to support the cause – get acupuncture!

If you prefer to make a direct donation, you can do it here.  Donations of all sizes make a difference and are so appreciated.

Thank you for your support.  I look forward to seeing you at the office and out on the road!

In gratitude,

Nancy

Dad was an avid runner and a track coach.  In his honor, I will be participating in the NYC Triathlon on August 7, 2011.  I will swim .9 miles (in the Hudson!), bike 25 miles (to the Bronx and back!) and run 6.2 (finishing in Central Park – come see me after brunch!).  I am training with Team in Training, and have pledged to raise $3000 for cancer support and research.

You can help me reach my goal by doing something wonderful for yourself- get acupuncture!!  I am offering your first treatment for $45 – that is 50% off!  And….$25 of that will be donated to Team in Training/Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

I will also be selling some wonderful products and proceeds will be donated to TNT/LLS.  If you would like to make a direct donation please visit my fundraising page.

Thank you for your support.  I look forward to seeing you in the clinic and out on the road!

In gratitude,

Nancy