Showing posts with label Self Care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Self Care. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

I Believe In Myself, I Believe In My Dreams...

 Cloud gazing in Bryant Park


I believe in myself, I believe in my dreams...

This was the mantra we were working with this past week in Creative Dreaming...and I'll admit, I sort of forgot until the end of the week. It's amazing how we can shy away from firmly committing to ourselves sometimes. Sometimes it can be scary when our dreams start to come true.

When our June Apprenticeship day came on Saturday...it all came back to me.  We even meditated on embracing our whole selves.  The good and the "bad."  Acknowledging and loving ourselves...welcoming all of our parts.

Words my teacher spoke last year resurfaced as well: "If it's not enjoyable, it's not sustainable."

SO TRUE

When I stop and think about my life and the richness that it's held up to this point, I don't think of the time I've spent behind a desk. I think of running down the street during a June hail storm in Florence, drinking tea across from the Tower Bridge in London, tarot cards on the patio in St.Thomas, making my Dad laugh at the dinner table, getting off the bus in Edinburgh for the first time, feeding Hamish the Highland cow, "swimming" on Iona, Guinness and laughter in Dublin, hugging my nephews, hearing the earth squish beneath my boots and the wind whistling past my ears, feeling the rain fall on my face, smelling the grass and trees...

I've recently made a promise to myself. Now that it's warm outside, I will try to go to Bryant Park every day...even for just 15 minutes.  Get out of the "office" air, take my shoes off and stand on the grass, read...or just lie there.  It's saved my sanity...and my back.

 My upside-down view of 6th avenue...

 Kicking back with "The Princess Bride"


Getting outside this week hasn't been as easy and I feel the difference. I tried to compensate by walking a different way home, alongside the park, on Monday and was rewarded by a slew of Sassafras trees!  Seeing those delightfully cartoonish leaves made me smile instantly, lifting my spirits.





What does all this have to do with believing in myself and my dreams?  Well...it means I'm going to continue to live life in an enjoyable and sustainable way...and I believe it will all take me to wonderful places. Making lovely memories every day.

XO

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Self Care in Difficult Times

 Dandelions Collected to Make Oil

Another Creative Dreaming assignment! To make a list of "Stuff to do When Things Suck."

I found myself thinking about all the things that bring me joy and realized that I have a hard time doing stuff when things suck...unless "stuff" means sitting on my couch wallowing and watching 80s Spy and Detective Shows on DVD.

I suppose that could be #1 :)  

So I think having an actual list to refer to, or just as a reminder of fun, is a great idea.

  • Watch something silly or uplifting.
  • Knit
  • Make a delicious cappuccino 
  • Enjoy a tea infusion
  • Work in the kitchen and sing along to my iPod
  • Organize dinner in or out with friends
Favorite After Work/Theatre Spot

  • Make some medicine
  • Cook 
  • Sing
  • Play my violin
  • Read something inspiring
  • Write
  • Hot baths
  • Reconnect with things I used to love to do
 I hadn't been to a Broadway show in a while...Loved it!

 My Addams Family Mug/Spoon

  • Creative projects of any kind
  • Talk with friends
  • Photograph beautiful things
  • Get outside and wander a bit in the park
 Forest Park


 I spread a blanket and read for a while



 Tree Lady


  • Practice Gratitude
  • Dance
  • Have a *good* Cry 
  • Listen to soul-soothing music


What's on your list?
XO