In collaboration with author and breathwork expert Zee Clarke, Therapy for Black Girls is excited to present a 6 part meditation series – thoughtfully crafted to guide you through the moments that might make the holiday season difficult.
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Hey, y'all, it's doctor Joy. In collaboration with author and breathwork expert z Clark Therapy for Black Girls, is excited to present to you a six part meditation series thoughtfully crafted to guide you easily through the moments that might make the holiday season difficult. Happy holidays, y'all, and take good care.
Stressful family members.
Another situation you might experience during the holidays is having to interact with family members who you have a challenging relationship with. They might say or do things that you find triggering that really get under your skin. You might be frustrated that they always act like this, and you might wish that they were different. Take a deep breath and accept that you probably won't be able to make them change, at least not on this visit. Remember, you can't control what they do or say. You can't control how they act, but you can control how you show up. You can control how much you let them affect you.
Repeat this in your mind's eye.
I do not allow others to mess with my inner piece. I do not allow others to mess with my inner piece. Now, think about what you can do to make sure you keep your peace regardless. Notice when you're triggered by them. Maybe you notice your muscles tense up, perhaps a tightness in your chest or a twisting in your belly. When you notice yourself starting to get triggered, practice belly breathing.
Give it a try. Right now, take.
A deep breath in through your nose, and as you inhal send the breath to your belly, allowing your belly to.
Expand like a balloon.
As you ax, hel belly comes towards your spine.
In how belly gets big.
Ex how belly comes towards your spine.
In how belly expands, exal belly comes towards your spine.
This simple act of belly breathing allows you to calm your nervous system so that you can decide how to engage. From this calmer and less triggered place, you can decide whether you want to engage in a heated discussion, whether you want to change the subject or even politely walk away. Imagine now what the most triggering thing they might say or do could be.
Imagine them saying it right now, take a deep belly breath.
And think about how you might engage.
What might be the best thing for you and your wellbeing.
Imagine yourself engaging in that way right now. Now, take a moment to think about what else might be helpful to you to maintain your inner peace during this period. Maybe it's limiting the amount of time you are at certain family gatherings. Maybe it's making sure you are always surrounded by the allies in your family, the ones that really understand you. Maybe it's bringing a friend, a partner, or someone else for moral support when you attend. What else might be helpful to you to maintain your inner peace during this period? Practice one more belly breath right now to ensure you're ready for whatever.
Might happen in hell. Belly expands like a balloon. Exhale.
Belly comes towards your spine.
You got this.