Nourishing ourselves is vital. The food we eat, the quality of our daily rest and sleep, our daily movement, and exercise. All of these contribute to the joy and meaning we feel in our lives. We are multi-faceted and benefit from multiple forms of nourishment.
What nourishes our inner nature?
Do we have a breath, reflection, journalling, or prayer practice? What bring joy and meaning to our days?
What we listen to is important. What we say has impact. Do the words we choose to use reflect a balance of our experience? Do the words we choose lead us towards our goals?
Beyond these close-to-the-bone activities, our environment, impacts us. Is our living space clean and orderly. Have we released what no longer serves us? Do we treasure what we have chosen to retain? Do we surround ourselves with beauty and nature?
Who we spend time with is important
Do we have a few close friends that up-lift us, and we them? Do we respect ourselves enough to choose who we associate with?
Self-expression is fulfilling
When we express, we share, thus creating inner space to be replenished. Do we write, paint, cook, or dance? In what ways are we able to express our truest nature?
As leaves fall to the ground, attention turns inward. Energy is freed from the activity of summer. This is a perfect time of year to shift our habits, learn new skills, and set goals. The relatively equal length of our day / night cycle gives a strong foundation for any new commitment.
Here are a few ideas
Nourishing your inner nature
A simple morning breath meditation practice; lengthening the inhale and exhale with each round.
Maintaining the physical body
Regardless or your age or condition the body needs to move to stay healthy. Yoga and walking are a perfect combination.
Listening and speaking
Our minds have a habitual way of hearing. Try considering 2 other meanings for each thing you hear another say. Try speaking with new words.
Releasing, cleaning & valuing
Clear out the past season. Pass on what you have finished with to make room for new experience. Magnify special moments, by giving them more time and attention.
Energy Work & Deep Relaxation
Learn a few simple techniques to understand and enhance your natural energy flows, in your body, and your emotions.
Self Expression
Everyday, and perhaps once a week for a longer period – have individual, undirected ‘play time’. What brings joy and meaning for you? I love to draw mandals and dance. What about you?
Learning new Pathways and Skills
Commit to learning a new skill or taking a new adventure. This opens new pathways in the brain and helps us to stay flexible. If possible, make this fun.