The holidays—however joyful they may be—can also be a time of stress and frustration. Whether it’s shopping for gifts, planning and attending parties, dealing with challenging family members or meeting work deadlines before everyone goes on break, it can all add up and leave us feeling depleted.
Nikki “CurlyNikki” Walton understands. The founder of Curly Nikki had a spiritual crisis over her success, which led to a soul search and cleanse. Now, the GoOD Mornings creator and podcaster shares her findings in her new book, Wake Up to Love: Meditations to Start Your Day, which draws inspiration from many traditions and experiences to deepen our connection to our spirits.
Walton spoke with EBONY and shared five tips for helping us all find balance and peace during the holiday season.
Embrace the Stillness. “Be still and know. That’s all you have to do. It’s all you have to be. As the year winds down, take time to pause and listen. At first, it’ll seem boring, like you’re listening to nothing, but that silence, that stillness, begins to speak, and it begins to sing. It’s not dead. It’s alive. I ‘hear’ a feeling, the feeling. I listen until I feel GoOD, and that alignment changes the course of my day. To do this, wake up earlier, even just five to 10 minutes before your alarm, sit down in a quiet space, and just listen. Don’t talk, don’t ask, don’t question. Just hear. You can say, ‘I am listening…’ and then listen as you’d listen for someone coming in your door unannounced: very alert, very aware as if you’re trying to hear if someone called your name. This is very different from how you usually are, and it takes you being different to see the differences you’re looking for out here.”
Connect with Nature. “Even in winter, nature has a way of grounding us. Spend some time outside, whether walking in the park or simply sitting in your backyard. Feel the earth beneath your feet and let the crisp air refresh your spirit. When you feel the wind on your skin, know that’s God breathing on you and blessing you. The rain is God cleansing you, washing you. You can say inside, ‘Hey, God,’ to every little flower, every naked tree and every fallen leaf. In this way, everything is a miracle. Everything is a blessing. Smile as you walk through nature. You are nature, too.”
Practice Gratitude. “This month, focus on what you’re grateful for. Keep a gratitude journal and jot down three things each day that light you up. But take it a step further and feel gratitude, which is no different than feeling GoOD or feeling love for each thing you write down. It will help if you yell inside—shout it in your mind like it’s the best day of your life— ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you!‘ Gratitude opens the heart and invites more joy into your life. You recognize that joy is your life. Only joy is here.”
Set Intentions, Not Resolutions. “Instead of making rigid resolutions, set intentions for how you want to feel and what you want to invite into your life. Whether it’s more joy, connection or peace, intentions allow for flexibility and growth. I intend to feel God in every moment, breath and step.”
Create a Ritual of Rest. “December can be hectic, so prioritize rest. Whether it’s curling up with a good book, like Wake Up to Love, enjoying a warm cup of tea or indulging in a calming bath, carve out time for self-care. Remember, rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for your spirit. In moments where naps or physical rest are not an option, take a mental break. Rest from thoughts, incessant thinking and worrying by watching the breath, listening for silence, saying a prayer or taking a mantra like, ‘Only Love is here.’ You replace every thought with that one and rest inside. The outside will take care of itself.”
