We all need reminders from time to time to stop and enjoy the little things. To take a breather from life's stress and chaos of the world around us. To just breathe.
I was taking a quick detour in my yard today on the way from my car to my house and went past my special spot, my Sacred Space. I had no intention of walking into the space though cause it was a very hot summer afternoon down here in the Deep South. And the shade was not offering any relief from the heat.
But just as I got even with the entrance into my spot, a movement happened and a plop onto leaves noise sounded. So I looked over and saw this fellow looking at me. I, of course, greeted him(Like I do all animals, birds, lizards, Dragonflies, fish, and frogs). "Hello, little fellow. Stay right there. You don't have to leave. I'm not going to hurt you."
We just stared at each other for a minute or two. Me just appreciating a thing from Nature and breathing. Watching his color change slowly. Then I decided to take a few pictures, because I'm like that too. ;) All the while, he just sat there in the shade on the leave and looked at me. He never moved except for his breathing.
I thanked him for allowing me to get pictures and for the visit and then continued on to the house to get out of the heat.
That little frog has stayed with me since then. A reminder to stop, see the little things in life, to take a time out, to enjoy nature, and to BREATHE.
How about you? When was the last time you stopped and enjoyed the little things around you? Tell me below what you enjoyed! I'd love to know.
When you have a stressful day or just feel off, go outside and take your shoes and socks/hose off. Stand still while taking a slow deep breathe and feel the Earth beneath your feet. Then do what is called Earthing. It is a great way to find some balance while relieving stress!
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When you get stressed or overwhelmed, it can be helpful to recite a prayer, mantra or affirmation. Just what do I mean by a prayer, mantra or affirmation? Well let’s see what merriam-webster.com has to say
According to Merriam-Webster
Definition of prayer (Entry 1 of 2)
1 a (1): an address (such as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought
(2): a set order of words used in praying
b: an earnest request or wish
2: the act or practice of praying to God or a god
Definition of mantra
: a sound, word, or phrase that is repeated by someone who is praying or meditating
: a word or phrase that is repeated often or that expresses someone's basic beliefs
AND
Definition of affirmation
a : the act of affirming
b : something affirmed : a positive assertion
Find a prayer, mantra or positive affirmation that resonates with you. A couple good prayers to use are the Lord's Prayer or the Serenity Prayer. Some mantras examples you can use are Aum or the Om(Pronounced 'Ohm'), I am that I am, It is well. A few positive affirmations are I am peaceful and calm, I am safe and secure, I am worthy of all my goals and dreams. Pinterest and Google are great resources for finding Mantras and Positive Affirmations!
Make a list of a few that you really like or that fit certain situations, like morning, bedtime, or moments of self-doubt. Then when you are stressed recite one or more to yourself for a minimum of 3 times. I tend to recite mine 9 times or more(more when I'm extremely stressed!)
To help you keep up with how many times you have recited it, use a Rosary, Prayer Beads set(7, 9, 21 beads on a string/bracelet), or a Mala(108 beads). You can purchase these online or make your own. I want to make a set out of gemstones and lava stone beads to be able to add a couple drops of essential oil to it.
Give this self-care technique a try next time you are stressed or overwhelmed and see how it helps you!
Come back here and let me know what prayer, mantra, or affirmation you found and used!
Carving out space in your home or yard that is just for you can help you find balance when you are stressed or overwhelmed. It doesn't have to be a big space nor does it have to be fancy. It just needs to be a space you call your own.
I'm talking about creating a sacred space. A space that you don't do any work in. A space you can go to when you need to think or have a time out. A place you can go and spend at least 10 minutes a day in, whether inside or outside your home.
A few simple sacred spaces you could create are:
In the corner of a room.
The center of a closet.
That sunny window seat.
Lounge chair beside the pool.
The swing on the porch.
A shady spot in the garden.
You don't really need much in a sacred space but some people see more benefit with the more elaborate spaces. We'll talk about more involved sacred spaces in a later post.
So what do you do in your sacred space?
Have a cup of coffee or tea while contemplating the day.
Practice your daily gratitude
Write in your journal
Read your morning or evening devotional
Meditate
Yoga
Pray
Read
Just Breathe
Enjoy nature
If you have started practicing any of the techniques I've shared in my previous posts, try them in your sacred space. You'll see more benefit from your daily gratitude journaling and/or mindful breathing practices by doing them in a sacred space! It really does add more to them.
So, tell me below where is your sacred space(s)?
