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Finding inner peace with Sophie Andrews
Posted by Claire Boote, on April 21, 2020.
Estimated reading time: 1 minute(s)
Life in lockdown can feel like each day is merging into the next and what’s happening in the world can feel overwhelming – my advice would be to plan small and savoured moments of joy to differentiate each day in a positive way.
Every one of us has been affected by this pandemic – some in small ways, some in much larger ways. Its normal to be worried, to spend time missing what we don’t have and don’t have access to. Gratitude reverses our priorities to help us appreciate what we do have. Through the power of gratitude, you can wire your brain to be optimistic and compassionate – the more you look, the more you can find to be grateful for.
CHALLENGE: Make a JOY list!
Do you have a running collection of things that feed your spirit? Joy and happiness can feel like an afterthought when there is so much worry in the world, but it’s essential for our mental health and just one conscious moment of joy per day, can turn the day around.
So, my challenge to you is this:
1 – Write a list of 40 things, which bring you joy and are possible to do at this time (your list can be longer if you like! And you can add to it as you go along).
2 – Every day, when you wake up, look at your Joy List and choose one thing to add into your day.
3 – When you are doing the activity, be conscious of its value and be grateful for the experience.
4 – If you do anything every day for 40 days, it turns into a habit. By choosing and consciously appreciating moments of joy every day for 40 days, we can experience every day differently and gain a positive habit to take with you into life after lockdown.
Some examples from my Joy List!
1 // A slow cup of tea while looking at a beautiful view/listening to a beautiful song
2 //Â Buying myself flowers
3 // Baking a healthy cake
4// Talking to my dad about his childhood
5// Dancing
6// Singing
7// Drawing
8// Write a journal entry
9// Watch a film without doing anything else
10// Spend time playing with my cats
Relaxation & Meditation
Aside from planning joy – moments of relaxation and meditation can have a profound effect on your nervous system and can be helpful at shifting any negative states of mind.
I am offering Online Gong Bathing Meditation sessions 4 times per week through Ilapothecary.com.
Gong Bathing uses vibrational sound and frequency to help reduce stress, alter consciousness and create a deep sense of peace and well being for better health. Essentially you go into a deep state of meditation and relaxation and then the real work begins while you get bathed in the gentle sound waves. This is an effective therapy for anxiety and depression, self-control, opening and healing the heart, fatigue, boosting energy levels and the immune system, increasing vitality, focusing on self-love and care.
Come and experience a session and add Gong Bathing to your joy list!
