The holidays are over and now we begin to look ahead towards Spring and warmer weather. So let me ask you this, while you sit and read this paper. Did you do anything nice for yourself during the Season of Giving? For a New Years Resolution, did you vow to put yourself on your list of priorities and still have not done a thing?
Giving to yourself does not have to wait until a special weekend-get-away at a high cost spa, although if you can swing that now and then - go for it! Below are some simple, inexpensive ideas you can do, starting today, to help make it easier setting aside that quiet time you yearn to have, just for you.
The Bath Ritual: Too often we rush through the shower to start or end the day. Choose one day a week (more if you are able), to set some time aside and enjoy the healing benefits of soaking in a bath. To really help you unwind and leave the world behind you, light some candles and play gentle music. Let your mind wander, drift and roam. Give yourself the suggestion that all your troubles will drain away in the water as you step out of the tub and pull the plug!
Milk Bath: Nothing feels better than soaking in a tub filled with milk and hot water. The milk helps your skin feel like liquid velvet and is said to have regenerative qualities. For an additional treat, add a few drops of scented almond oil.
Stress Release Bath: Add 3 to 4 drops of essential lavender oil into the water. Take a deep breath - and relax!
Your Special Place: Dedicate one area in your home just for you. Make sure it includes your favorite chair and a table. Fill this area with things that help you feel good; keep a vase of fresh flowers, hang pictures of people you love or places you’d like to visit. Let this area in your home be your private retreat space, always ready for you to inhabit. Make sure you go there as much as possible!
Journal: Writing in a journal is a wonderful way to clear your mind, get creative ideas and express your inner most feelings without the fear of being ridiculed, because no one but yourself will be reading your words! Bookstores carry beautiful blank books for journaling, but you can begin right now with a blank piece of paper! What is it you REALLY want to say?
Tea Time: It's easy to grab a cup of coffee in your local coffee shop for your ride to work, on your break, etc. Why not give tea a chance? Taking the time to make a cup of tea is a ritual in itself and there are so many wonderful types of teas, from caffeinated to herbal. Set time aside once a day for this special cup of tea. I suggest drinking an herbal or de-caffeinated if you choose to do this at the days end. Bring your tea to your Special Place. Take a moment to look at the beautiful things you chose to have in this corner of the world for you. Now is a great time to start writing in that journal!
Do you already have a favorite "giving to yourself" ritual you'd like to share? Let us know what that is. Email us at arcana@celestia.com with Giving Ritual as the subject. You can also mail us at American Spirit, PO Box 14341, Berkeley, CA 94712
The holidays are over and now we begin to look ahead towards Spring and warmer weather. So let me ask you this, while you sit and read this paper. Did you do anything nice for yourself during the Season of Giving? For a New Years Resolution, did you vow to put yourself on your list of priorities and still have not done a thing?