How I Zen out
A Peace of mine, A Peace of Mind
We deserve little breaks in life. After all life is not neccesarily easy! Especially when you’re living in integrity or by a moral code. I think it’s important to enjoy life’s little luxuries here and there. What do you like to do? What brings you some type of grounding or joy?
Here’s how I zen out and reconnect with self:
Contrast Therapy - I enjoy indulging in a sauna sit + cold plunge. Not only does it detox your body, it improves blood flow throughout your lymphatic system. Contrast therapy has been proven not only to improve your mood but lower anxiety levels. Everything I do is with intention to heal my body (emotionally, physically, and/or mentally), which essentially improves my health. Not that I’m sick, just infected/affected by the world at large lol.
Body movement - whether it’s reformer, yoga or barre. Moving my body makes me feel amazing. I love to release energetically through movement. Lengthening my arms, legs, opening my hips , stretching my back etc., movement enables me to feel totally in control and relaxed. I’m in my body at that moment, nowhere else ( present). It’s an act of feeling in tune and one with self. A couple of years ago I joined an adult ballet workshop and it was one of the most amazing things I have ever done for myself and my healing. I was so in tune with my spirit in that moment while healing some inner child wounds as well. It was like a healing balm over a scar. To laugh, dance and learn in a space filled with patience and other like minded individuals was a great experience and something I look forward to capturing again. I’ve always had a love for dance. I vow to never stop. I’m also curious in where body movement can take me in general. It feels like endless possibilities are on the horizon. Be intentional with your movement!
Singing - opening that throat chakra! Ok! I love a medley, I love a good uplifting tune, but what I love the most about exercising my vocal cords is the vibration it sends through my body, while escaping my lungs! Again, RELEASE! Which is a common theme/idea when I’m indulging in my zen activities. What feels better than singing one of your ultimate favorite songs at the top of your lungs, unapologetically.
Skill Utilization + creativity - For me, I love cooking. I’ve been gifted with the skill to create and execute elaborate meals for myself and others. I find joy in the process, from shopping for the produce, cleaning, assembling, and then the actually act of cooking. I enjoy it even more when it comes out as I imagined or even better. More so with taste, not necessarily look lol. I’m not a culinary artist as of yet, so plating is not my specialty but I love when others enjoy the taste as of my dishes. Everything I’ve cooked hasn’t always been the best, yet I love the process of a retry and tweaking what I deem necessary. It’s an act of self exploration that keeps me grounded in the present. While I have a tool box full of gifts/skills, culinary art is my favorite. What gifts are you not exploring that could bring you harmonious joy? Get to digging through your tool box!
Solitude - my favorite on the list and it’s completely FREE! Spending time with yourself is an impeccable way to zen out and come back to yourself. Solitude can be spent in amount of spaces, like the wilderness or the comfort of your home. For me, it’s my room! My room is my sanctuary. It’s where I find the ultimate comfort and peace when I’m seeking refuge. There I indulge in aromatherapy ( candles and incense) and silence. Sometimes I journal or play music as background noise while I meditate on a thought or idea. It’s my safe haven to fully let my emotions flow like a river without judgment. Time spent alone is a great way to ground and get in tune with yourself and how/what you’re feeling at your core. A lot of times we look for refuge in people, places and things, when sometimes the best refuge is within yourself. Practice spending time alone without feeling lonely. Sometimes the best company you could keep is YOU.