Like water can only mirror the sky and the trees as long as its surface is undisturbed, the mind can only reflect the true image of the Self when it is tranquil and wholly relaxed.
(Indra Devi)

As extended family gathers together for this holiday of thanks, let us all avoid the mistake of years past: longing for their best behavior to bring out our own. While few of us would say it out loud, most of us have thought about these gatherings with the caveat that “I’ll be fine unless he…”, or “As long as she doesn’t bring up…then I’ll be okay.”

In a paraphrase of John & Paul (The Beatles, not The Apostles): the peace you crave is equal to the peace you create. Peace begins with you, and that means peace begins within you.

Find a meditation mantra, find a gym, find a brief walk, find a prayer closet (to paraphrase Jesus); do whatever it takes to still your mind against the ripples of family holiday anxiety.

All it takes is one moment of pause.