I publish this article every year about this time. Even though life is a little different for us all now because of COVID 19, it still applies. Much sadness and mixed feelings can overwhelm and derail even the most stable of us during these times. There is an expectation of joy and love as the holidays are supposed to be time spent happily celebrating with family- they mark the passage of time in our lives. But some of us just aren’t feeling it- for some of us it is a time of loneliness, anxiety, and self reflection.
There are many reasons why the holidays can come to represent pain, grief, regret, and loneliness, or just plain mixed emotions, to say the least. Regardless of the scenario, the end result is experiencing the emotions I just mentioned. The concern is getting stuck lamenting- a not good place to get stuck.
Can we be generic when we talk about how to deal with a variety of disturbing emotions under these circumstances? Yes, somewhat, and here is your toolbox…this goes for addicts and normies alike;
Fix yourself up- doing your hair and make-up and putting on a pretty outfit can actually give you a lift (or guys, shower and put on some nice clothes). I can tell you from personal experience, this is an essential ‘first’ to lifting yourself up out of a funk.
Homeopathic Ignatia amara- this is the classic grief remedy covering shock, depression, and sadness. Other remedies on the table may include Apis mellifera for rage and bottled up emotions, Gelsemium sempervirens for sensitivity and tearfulness, Natrum muriaticum for intense sorrow, and Aurum metallicum for the feeling of hopelessness and suicide.
Bach Flower remedies- We have to applaud the genus of Dr Bach, who made remedies from the dew taken off flowers, matching natures attributes to those of human beings (and animals too). They deal almost exclusively with emotions. Gentle and deep acting, try Willow for bitterness and difficulty accepting injustices, White Chestnut for over-active and exhausting mental chatter, or Gorse for hopelessness.
St. John’s Wort and Ginkgo Biloba- these are considered natural depression medications. St John’s wort is very effective for depression, particularly for mild to moderate symptoms without the side effects often associated with drugs. Ginkgo Biloba improves neurotransmitter production in the brain and helps bring oxygen-rich blood to the brain to improve functioning and also may help fight feelings of despair.
Eat right- avoid processed foods and eat high in omega3 oils.
Reach out and call a family member- perhaps one you have been feuding with or one you may have neglected. Put your pride aside and be humble.
Give of yourself – one way is to volunteer serving those less fortunate than you- giving is one of the best ways to get off the pity train and ‘loose yourself’, and the rewards are immeasurable. Find a reasonable way to volunteer and still keep safe in the COVID climate.
If you are a recovering addict suffering lows during the holidays, attend a meeting for strength and fellowship (can be on line), keep busy and well fed, and choose from the following remedies- Lac humanum for feelings of isolation, estrangement, and detachedness, and we can look at homeopathic Tobacium or Aurum metallicum, both for cravings of all kinds. Or Agrimony, the Bach Flower remedy of choice for people who put on a brave face to hide their inner struggles, even from themselves, and most often given to those who suffer addiction.
Sai Sanjeevini is a prayer based system of healing which offers a pattern for addiction, amongst hundreds of other patterns for any malady or condition you could thing of. If you are not familiar with this healing system, think outside the box and go to www.saisanjeevini.org. Try making the addiction remedy right at home, and see what happens.
Pray, chant, or meditate- whatever suits your beliefs.