all is Get the Life For home delivery, go to www.nvlmag.com and click on “Subscribe” at the top. 36 www.nAPAVA L L E Y L I F Emagaz ine.com The Path to Peace by Kate Messner One of the things I love about living in the Napa Valley is stepping outside on a crisp autumn morning and breathing in the aromatic smell of harvest. I experience a divine connection to this heaven on earth when the vineyards turn the color of a burning sunset. It is a sign that fall is in full effect and that the holidays aren’t far behind. For some this is a season of happiness, family and giving but for others it is stressful, gloomy and filled with obligations. While it is a festive time of year, it can also bring a variety of emotions to the surface. Maybe you have experienced a recent divorce and are anxious about how your family dynamic is going to change, or someone you love has passed away and this time of year pricks your heart with old loving memories. Blend in all the other components of the season and you could easily begin to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or angry. When you are at your busiest it is imperative to carve time out for yourself. Nourish yourself with a cup of hot tea instead of reaching for the Sauvignon Blanc. Take a break from your recipes, your phone, and your gift-wrapping and read, take a walk, or meditate. When it feels like you are being pulled in a million directions take a few minutes to sit in a quiet place and just be. Sink into the stillness and calm your soul. It can seem counterintuitive to slow down when we feel like we need to speed up, but by making the time to nurture yourself, you will be infused with more energy. Approach the holidays from the perspective that you are only responsible for yourself and your emotions. When it comes to family, know and accept that you can’t make everyone happy, but you can come from a place of understanding and strive for compromise. We all have the fundamental desire to be loved and heard, so keep that in mind and have compassion for others. Remember that you don’t have to feel like you are alone; take the time to connect with someone that you trust. I love having my clients set an intention to enjoy this time with family and loved ones and be grateful for the many blessings that they have in this life. What you believe will determine your experience. Believe in the magic of the season! Kate Messmer has a MA in Spiritual Psychology and works with individuals who are experiencing stress, anxiety and disconnect from self and others. To receive a complimentary consultation, contact her at peaceofkate@ymail.com or find out more about her services at www.peaceofkate.com
NVLife_NovDec_2014
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