SIT QUIETLY and BE
The #1 request these days is to set up quiet spaces and altars in the home for inward contemplation and relaxation.
Why?
Because we need an antidote to the fast paced and multi-sensory overload we find ourselves in today.
It is emotionally draining to read the newspaper or watch TV with all the stories about natural disasters, the uncontrolled language and behaviors in Washington, horrendous stories of misogyny in Hollywood, bullying in schools, out of control opioid issues, etc.
We need to let go of what we cannot control, cultivate emotional balance, and focus on what we can control…our home environment.
#1. Go beyond aesthetics and image! Start by understanding what you want to experience, feel, and remember in your home, body , and mind to provide you comfort, security, a peace of mind, connection, joy, and solace. Make a list and keep revising it as you reflect deeper.
It is a process of being AWARE of your emotional and spiritual needs – not just the materialistic desires.
#2. This requires conscious reflection of how your surroundings impact your behaviors. Do the rooms ‘uplift your spirits’ or do they leave you uptight, frustrated, sad, tired, spaced out, feeling constricted, out of control, or overwhelmed? Slowly walk around each room with a notebook and annotate how you feel emotionally, physically and spiritually. Know why…this may require considerable time and/or assistance.
ACCEPT the way things are that you cannot control.
#3. Move on, and allow your space to honor your personal values, intentions, what brings joy, and nurtures your soul. Altars are extensions of yourself which reflect what is churning inside you right now in the present moment.
Neither the size, opulence, or number of the items on the altar matter as much as your sincere intentions. Take time to mindfully explore what is really important to you…and be careful what you ask for!
Write down the specifics of your intention…dates, times, the qualities of the person you would enjoy a relationship with, the type of job you would like along with qualities of the co-workers and location, the behavior you would like to emulate, etc. This list could go in a pretty envelope on one of your altars, in a box, or whatever feels right to you.
Altars may be cultural, religious, reflections of nature, or just a place to connect deep within to evoke comfort and peace.
#4. The items may be sensual in nature like fresh herbs and flowers to heighten your sense of aromatics, shells and driftwood from the beach, leaves from walks in the woods to reconnect with nature. Or they could be personal in nature like pictures of friends or family to remind you of happy times, or of heroes to remind you of characteristics you may want to aspire to. Then again, they could be pictures of far off places and people you would like to visit soon.
Locations of altars may be any place where your brain will connect with it as a reminder of a behavior you may wish to change, a goal you want to accomplish or simply a symbol that puts a smile on your face. It could be on a shelf over the kitchen sink, in an office, in the entrance way as you transition from the outside world to your sanctuary, or in a for-your eyes-only place.
ACTION to create quiet spaces can be simple or elaborate.
#5. Start by locating a comfortable chair facing a window with a pleasant view, or a little rug and cushion in a corner which is for you alone. The key is to cultivate a daily practice to sit quietly anywhere even for just 10-15 minutes. Being next to one of your altars can be a reminder to just ‘be’ and stop ‘doing’. Soft music further soothes the nervous system.
Think Life management not Time management, then you will find time for what is important.
To sit as soon as you get home after a busy day instead of mindlessly running to the refrigerator and gulping some food, or emptying a glass of wine to relieve the stress…would be ideal.
Think in terms of energy, not time.
In just 15 minutes of sitting and mindfully directing your attention to the breath, you will be so much calmer and relaxed to then handle the kids, getting dinner on the table, or whatever life hands you … in a happier state of mind.
The Journey Of A Thousand Miles Begins With A Single Step.
Lao Tzu
Call Nadine @ 510-525-1116 to begin your journey