What are helpful reminders for you to breathe deeply of the present moment no matter how chaotic it may feel? How do you stay calm and copacetic amid the discord?
I learned two words during my graduate studies several years ago that are some of my favorite words. They are also words that remind me to pause and breathe deeply of the present no matter how frantic it may be.
The first word is “copacetic.” It is a slang adjective that means to be ok, to accept what is. The other is “discombobulated,” which implies frustration or being frustrated.
Copacetic Amid One of the Most Stressful Times of the Year
On the one hand, I consider the last few days of the hectic holiday season as discombobulated chaos. I am so far behind this year in getting ready for family celebrations, that the hurried rush of these final shopping days feels quite stressful at times.
How I deal with the frenzied pace is to embrace being copacetic. In other words, accept it and be ok with what is, no matter how frustrating it may seem.
On the other hand, this time of year is an experience of wonder and excitement that brings out the little kid in me. The enthusiasm helps me find joy in the little things.
Mindful Intention
Even during a stressful holiday season, no matter how wonderful we may feel, it is still stressful. In what ways can we be copacetic about the experience? Discombobulating chaos that it is?
Can we be ok with where we are right now and accept the both/and of this season? The stress, the problematic, frustration, or sadness, along with the joy, wonder, anticipation, laughter, and happiness?
Can we be ok with the process? The process of moving through the experience of the holidays? Trusting we are on a journey toward something deeper?
At this time of the year, our culture says, “hurry.” Yet, our spirit says, “slow down.” Can we be ok with both? How can we be a little more mindful and attentive within the hurried pace of the season?
Three Ways To Be Copacetic
1. Pay attention to who is around; who is shopping alongside you? Can you help them, smile at them, show an act of kindness in some way?
2. Who is feeling the hurt, sadness, or profound loss in life, and the joy of the season only exacerbates their pain? How can we nurture and love them with no expectation and walk with them in their suffering? Can we hold together both the pain and joy?
3. Be mindful of our hearts. How can we tend to our own needs while helping and shopping for others? Can we nurture both ourselves and others in the process?
Pause. Take notice. Breathe deeply and smile inwardly or outwardly. Permit yourself to enjoy the moments in the madness of the season. When you find yourself hurrying and feeling rushed internally, take a moment to pause. Breathe deeply and notice your surroundings. Breathe deeply again of life within you around you. Smile and keep going. You are ok, and you will be ok.
Your Turn
What helps you cope with the stress of the holiday discombobulated chaos? What are the ways that help you remain copacetic?
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