The Universal Vibe Check: Why Do We Hustle When the World Is Resting?
I love the holidays. I truly do. The twinkling lights across the city, the scent of cinnamon and pine, the cozy evenings spent sitting in my little moonpod, cozied up with a good book and a mug of hot cocoa. As a Chicagoan, you know I’m obsessed with the energy of a bundled-up evening stroll through Lincoln Park Zoo’s light show, hot cider in hand.
But I gotta be honest: There is a bustle about the holidays that completely exhausts me. It’s the constant stream of invites, the unspoken pressure to show up, the feeling that if you’re not out "checking out this new thing" every weekend, you’re missing out.
Lately, I’ve had to make some hard choices. I almost RSVP'd to a holiday party I deeply dreaded, purely out of obligation. I LOVE my friends and family, but I hate the pressure of their expectations of me and they’re disappointment when I decline. And if I decline more than one invite, my goodness I’ll never hear the end of it! But why? Why isn’t it acceptable to honor my needs? Why does that make me “lazy” or a “recluse”? If you just look outside, the message is unmistakable: the leaves have fallen off the trees, the air holds a crisp chill, the migrating birds have gone south. This entire season is a clear sign the universe is in a deep exhale. Why aren't we?
How do we learn to enjoy this magical season in a way that allows us to truly honor our own energetic needs, without constantly worrying about hurting someone's feelings? How do we learn to model rest so that honoring others' energetic needs becomes second nature?
Beyond "Lazy": Redefining Rest as an Energetic Requirement
And that’s the core of it, really—the silent pressure to perform being our "most authentic selves" at all times, which usually means being our "most available selves."
Society has ingrained a set of unwritten rules: It’s not socially acceptable to constantly decline invitations... what will people think? It's not acceptable to prioritize a quiet night in with a hot mug of something delicious and Netflix over a big Friendsgiving this year... they’ll think you don't like them anymore! The pleas of, "Please come out for just a little bit? We were really hoping to see you!" tug at the heart. Of course, you love them. But you also really, truly need to do nothing at all. And what, exactly, is wrong with that?
The problem isn't the party; it’s the borrowed energetic budget you operate on when you override your need for rest. Stress and anxiety are not personal failures; they are crystal-clear signals that your mind, body, and spirit are out of alignment and desperately need a break. Rest isn't something you earn after you finish the to-do list; rest is a requirement for sustainable well-being.
Rooted in Power: How Your Root Chakra Controls Your Holiday Boundaries
The inability to set boundaries and prioritize your needs is directly tied to the health of your Root Chakra (Muladhara). Located at the base of the spine, this is your foundation, your connection to safety, grounding, and being able to firmly stand in your power.
When your Root Chakra is overactive or blocked, it can manifest as chronic anxiety, feeling ungrounded, and, yes, difficulty saying "no"—because you fear disruption to your stability or community.
The solution is not to push through the exhaustion. The solution is to intentionally create grounding rituals that signal safety to your nervous system. It’s about prioritizing your needs without feeling the need to make excuses. Your nervous system is counting on you to respect the season of rest.
Your 15-Minute 'Do Not Disturb' Ritual for Deep Alignment
A ritual is simply a set of daily habits we practice that intentionally support our energetic needs.
To help you get grounded, reclaim your peace, and set those essential boundaries, we crafted the Do Not Disturb Ritual Kit. Here is a simple, actionable 3-step ritual you can complete in 15–20 minutes to signal rest to your nervous system:
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Sensory Grounding (Root Chakra): Light the Comfy AF Body Oil Candle. Take three deep, slow breaths, allowing the warm, earthy blend of sandalwood and sage to instantly calm your nervous system. This aromatic cue tells your mind: It is safe to rest.
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Embodied Care (Root Chakra): Extinguish the candle and use the warm oil or apply the Comfy AF Body Butter to your skin. Pay special attention to your feet and the base of your spine—your energetic roots. As you inhale the enveloping scent, imagine a grounding red glow illuminating from the base of your spine. Affirm: "I don’t need permission to honor my needs."
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Space Clearing & Joy Infusion (Sacral Chakra): When you’re ready to shift your energy from 'grounded' to 'joyful rest,' light your Sexy & I Know It Incense Stick. This blend of amber and blood orange targets your Sacral Chakra—your center for sensuality, pleasure, and play. So often, we get so wrapped up in chasing goals and checking off to-dos that we forget the basic concept of play—and when we forget to play, we lose sight of what truly lights us up. Rest isn't just sleep; it's a rejuvenation. The sweet, sultry scent triggers your inner joy—your permission slip to do what brings you pleasure. No expectations. No apologies.
Glow Intentionally: The Ritual Tools for Guilt-Free Joy
The Do Not Disturb Ritual Kit is your sensorial experience for slowing down and reconnecting.
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Comfy AF supports your Root Chakra and calms your nervous system.
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Sexy & I Know It supports your Sacral Chakra, reigniting your inner joy and reminding you that pleasure is productive.
This kit provides the tangible tools and framework to turn moments of stress into intentional self-care. It bridges external nourishment with internal alignment.
Glow intentionally. Live in your flow.
Your Permission Slip Awaits: Choose Rest, Reclaim Your Flow
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of genuine rest. Choose one small act of rest this week—say no to an obligation, or carve out 15 minutes for the ritual above.
Ready to gift yourself the permission slip you deserve?
Or, if you’re ready to dive deep into sustainable boundaries and need personalized guidance to design rituals around your unique energetic cycles, you can book a Ritual Design Session with Jamie.
Community & Connection: Wellness in the City
✨ Join Our Sisterhood: The Collective Community (CoCo)!
Looking for a space to share, heal, and connect authentically? We’ve officially launched CoCo! Our members enjoy: Signature Events & Experiences, Sisterhood and Authentic Connections, Ritual & Healing resources, and exclusive Member Product Discounts & Gifts.