As the pace of life ramps up this time of year, how do you stay peaceful with all the excitement of Christmas? Here’s how to slow down and then from a place of peace, reach out to others in love.

Slowing down…

While the Christmas season is about the Prince of Peace coming to us, sometimes we get too busy to recognize God’s peace. For many of us, it is difficult to step back and consider the person in front of us when our to-do lists are never-ending.

But here’s how I find peace and slow down:

1. Deep breathing

Take at least five deep breaths. You can change the way you feel by the way you move your body. Make a habit of walking with your shoulders back and breathing more deeply and your emotions will begin to have more of a positive response.

Sometimes I breathe while thinking about a peaceful verse like, “Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you!’” John 20:21 NIV.

Also, most people do not breathe deeply enough. When you take a deep breath, be sure to allow your stomach to rise instead of your chest. This allows oxygen into the lower area of your lungs and goes directly to the area of your brain that stimulates creativity.

2. Two-minute vacation

Take time for yourself with God even if it’s just a few minutes. That two-minute vacation in your spirit can bring an amazing download of peace. Quiet yourself to listen to God speaking to you. God usually speaks to us in a faint impression or small voice inside.

3. Turn on the tunes

Listen to positive, uplifting music. Music can set the mood or change your emotional condition. If I want more energy, I tend to listen to upbeat songs to start my day. I listen to slower, deeper worship music when I want to relax.

Helping others by listening

When we can settle ourselves to into a peace, the atmosphere of stress starts to fade and we can hear God, connect with others, and see where God wants us to spread His love by helping them. One way to help others and love them, is by listening to them.

Be aware of people’s needs

People tend to give one another clues about how they feel, what they value, or what they need through the way they talk, their body language, and facial expressions. But most people are not aware of it because they are not trained to perceive it and they only listen with their ears. Our goal in life is to be an encourager of other people by listening with our heart with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Most people don’t like to listen to others, yet they value being listened to. The ability to listen is really an art that, through practice, increases your ability to focus on what a person is really saying.

Jesus listened and loved

Quite often people came to Jesus and asked a question. His answer spoke to their hidden need or revealed their hidden motive. To pinpoint this, Jesus often asked them a question back. Too often we launch into our own story, advice or latest teaching without regard to the needs of the person approaching us.

Let’s listen from a place of peacefulness to bring hope, healing and love to those all around us this Christmas season. Go and have fun, the Prince of Peace is with you!

 

Blessings,
~ Doug Addison

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Doug Addison is a prominent conference speaker captivating audiences with clean stand-up comedy and high energy prophetic messages which he has shared on television, radio and the internet for over a decade. Doug brings laughter, fun and a unique prophetic style while empowering people to transform their lives, discover their destiny and understand dreams, tattoos and piercings. His powerful messages stay with his audiences long after hearing him.