Amy Masterman's Blog - Posts Tagged "walking"
10 Ways to Use Your Senses to Feel Calm, Confident and Cozy During Covid-19
Note: to see the full version of this post including photo collages from the book visit "https:/sacredsensualliving.com/10-ways-to-us..."
Taking a stand for joy and pleasure may seem indulgent or frivolous, but how you feel holds the key to accessing your true self. When you feel good, you have the time and energy to pursue your passions, give generously, and nourish your body, mind, and heart. ― from Sacred Sensual Living: 40 Words for Praying with All Your Senses
Most of us have never experienced anything like Covid19 before. It’s no wonder our emotions are all over the place, at best. We’re tumbling between appreciation, fear and sadness, or maybe having them all at once, with a sidecar of anxiety. There’s probably some secret joy in there too, thanks to a break from regular routines. It’s all okay.
Our basic human nature is to feel good, but with so much uncertainty and pain, it might seem self-absorbed or even uncaring to do things that feel pleasurable. The opposite is true: if you’re able, doing things that bring you joy will help you stay in your natural flow of well-being.
That isn’t selfish; it’s smart. Instead of feeling anxious and depleted during this unparalleled period, you’ll feel nourished and centered in your true self. You’ll also feel stable enough in your foundation to lend emotional support to those who need it.
Feeling calm and in control keeps your immune system strong. Having a positive attitude keeps your heart and mind uplifted, and that energy benefits everyone.
Here are ten ways you can use your senses to stimulate positive emotions and enhance your overall wellness. The key is to immerse yourself in the sensations fully. Relish the moment.
Aim to have one new sensory experience every day. Even if all you can do is “another” walk, try to put your unique sensory spin on it. When you eventually emerge into the next phase, whatever that may be, you’ll feel the truth of who you are, naturally revitalized and radiating love to all.
1. Enjoy a Lung-Love Shower
When you take a shower, put a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil on your palms and place your fingers on your forehead and your thumbs on your chin. Your palms should be about two inches in front of your nose. Inhale deeply at least five times, or as many as feels good. Notice how this smells and how it feels emotionally. Generally, eucalyptus is a refreshing scent, but check in with your body and heart.
Eucalyptus is also said to support good lung health and promote deeper breathing. We can all use more deep breaths right now.
eucalyptus essential oil
2. Take Care of Your Basic Kneads
Baking bread is trending. There are various theories about why, most revolving around comfort and distraction from news and social media. I think it’s also because doing something that involves your senses feels pleasing, which is an easy way to feel centered with the love and wisdom of your true self.
Next time you make a loaf, take note of everything your senses are experiencing. How do the ingredients look? What does it feel like to knead the dough? How does the unbaked dough smell compare to the warm, crusty baked version? Of course, you’ll be eating some, so aim to savor the flavors and textures.
3. Make Your House into a Scent Emporium
Freshen up your rooms by pulling out your essential oils and making a room spray. If you’re feeling ambitious, make a different scent profile for each room you spend time in. Here are some suggestions for oils to use in various spaces:
Kitchen – orange, lemon verbena, grapefruit, eucalyptus
Living room – patchouli, vetiver, holy basil
Work area – clary sage, bergamot, peppermint
Art studio – geranium, tangerine
Meditation/yoga area – frankincense, sandalwood, grapefruit
Bedroom – lavender, rose, cedarwood
Bathroom – lavender, tea tree, lemon
4. Have a Spice Party
Pull out the spices that always lurk at the back of your cabinet. Give them some love by making up a few blends you can use to perk up brown rice or bedazzle your kale. Use your nose to determine what goes with what. If you’re missing one or two (no mace on hand?), don’t sweat it, just omit and it’ll still taste good. Here are some ideas to get you started…
Garam Masala – cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, mace, peppercorns, coriander, turmeric, cumin
Herbs de Provence – marjoram, thyme, rosemary, oregano, sage, tarragon
Cajun – cayenne, oregano, paprika, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, garlic & onion powder, salt & pepper
Thai – basil, cumin, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, curry
Caribbean – allspice, nutmeg, garlic, cloves, ginger, cinnamon
5. Make Like Monet
Find some art supplies and make an interpretation of what you see out your window (or your view if the weather’s nice and you can sit outside). Use markers or paint or even make-up (since you’re probably not using it much while sitting at home). You could even try finger painting with those back-of-the-cabinet spices. If you really don’t have supplies on hand, make a collage with magazine pics, ribbon, fancy paper scraps, fabric.
Don’t fret about artistic ability, just play. Make it realistic, abstract, symbolic or a hybrid. You don’t have to hang it on your fridge afterward, but you certainly can.
paint palette
6. Dip into a Tea Bath
If you love the idea of taking a bath but never find the time, now’s your chance. The warm water will relax your muscles (and mind), and the soothing ambiance will comfort your heart.
Customize your soak with an item you probably have in your kitchen—tea. You can use almost any type, but I highly recommend making sure it’s caffeine free. Try chamomile, rose, green…whatever you have on hand.
Put the bags (or loose tea in an infuser) directly in the stream of the warm water as you fill the tub and then let it steep and you sink in. You can even add powdered milk and honey to soften your skin.
loose tea
7. Be a Captivated Audience
Check out some of the living room concerts on Instagram live, YouTube or Facebook live. Give these generous artists your full attention (and maybe some tips). After all, how often do you have Hozier sitting right across from you?
Singing and dancing are good stress-reducers, so channel your inner Beyonce and let it all go. Hozier doesn’t judge.
8. Feel the Love
Do a self-massage with lovely smelling oils or lotion. If you have some essential oils, add a few drops of your favorites to almond, sesame or melted coconut oil, or even your regular lotion. As you gently rub, give thanks for your health and well-being.
If you’re too tired to do a whole-body massage, focus solely (sorry) on your feet. Inhale the scent and appreciate how hard they work for you.
9. Go On a Sensory Walk
Taking a walk through your neighborhood may be nothing novel at this point so try it a different way by leading with your senses. Notice the sights, sounds, textures and smells along your route.
If trees are blooming, take a minute to smell their flowers—magnolia, cherry, apple? If trees have already peaked, sniff bulbs (hyacinth) and bushes (honeysuckle). Come up with some simple adjectives, like “honey, creamy, sweet.” Notice how they’re different from and similar to each other.
What do you hear? Birds, breezes, laughter? Touch (safely) some textures like bark or tile. Be conscious about what you’re seeing. Make a point to notice things you’ve never seen before and look for pleasing compositions, whether natural or constructed.
garden
10. Listen to Sounds of Silence
Close your eyes and just listen… Less traffic means you can hear sounds you might not notice. Maybe it’s birds. How many different songs can you pick up? When it rains, focus on only the sounds of drops. When it’s windy, turn your mind off and just listen. That’s all, just listen.
If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can smile, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace. —Thich Nhat Hanh
To see the full version including photo collages from the book visit "https:/sacredsensualliving.com/10-ways-to-us..."
Taking a stand for joy and pleasure may seem indulgent or frivolous, but how you feel holds the key to accessing your true self. When you feel good, you have the time and energy to pursue your passions, give generously, and nourish your body, mind, and heart. ― from Sacred Sensual Living: 40 Words for Praying with All Your Senses
Most of us have never experienced anything like Covid19 before. It’s no wonder our emotions are all over the place, at best. We’re tumbling between appreciation, fear and sadness, or maybe having them all at once, with a sidecar of anxiety. There’s probably some secret joy in there too, thanks to a break from regular routines. It’s all okay.
Our basic human nature is to feel good, but with so much uncertainty and pain, it might seem self-absorbed or even uncaring to do things that feel pleasurable. The opposite is true: if you’re able, doing things that bring you joy will help you stay in your natural flow of well-being.
That isn’t selfish; it’s smart. Instead of feeling anxious and depleted during this unparalleled period, you’ll feel nourished and centered in your true self. You’ll also feel stable enough in your foundation to lend emotional support to those who need it.
Feeling calm and in control keeps your immune system strong. Having a positive attitude keeps your heart and mind uplifted, and that energy benefits everyone.
Here are ten ways you can use your senses to stimulate positive emotions and enhance your overall wellness. The key is to immerse yourself in the sensations fully. Relish the moment.
Aim to have one new sensory experience every day. Even if all you can do is “another” walk, try to put your unique sensory spin on it. When you eventually emerge into the next phase, whatever that may be, you’ll feel the truth of who you are, naturally revitalized and radiating love to all.
1. Enjoy a Lung-Love Shower
When you take a shower, put a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil on your palms and place your fingers on your forehead and your thumbs on your chin. Your palms should be about two inches in front of your nose. Inhale deeply at least five times, or as many as feels good. Notice how this smells and how it feels emotionally. Generally, eucalyptus is a refreshing scent, but check in with your body and heart.
Eucalyptus is also said to support good lung health and promote deeper breathing. We can all use more deep breaths right now.
eucalyptus essential oil
2. Take Care of Your Basic Kneads
Baking bread is trending. There are various theories about why, most revolving around comfort and distraction from news and social media. I think it’s also because doing something that involves your senses feels pleasing, which is an easy way to feel centered with the love and wisdom of your true self.
Next time you make a loaf, take note of everything your senses are experiencing. How do the ingredients look? What does it feel like to knead the dough? How does the unbaked dough smell compare to the warm, crusty baked version? Of course, you’ll be eating some, so aim to savor the flavors and textures.
3. Make Your House into a Scent Emporium
Freshen up your rooms by pulling out your essential oils and making a room spray. If you’re feeling ambitious, make a different scent profile for each room you spend time in. Here are some suggestions for oils to use in various spaces:
Kitchen – orange, lemon verbena, grapefruit, eucalyptus
Living room – patchouli, vetiver, holy basil
Work area – clary sage, bergamot, peppermint
Art studio – geranium, tangerine
Meditation/yoga area – frankincense, sandalwood, grapefruit
Bedroom – lavender, rose, cedarwood
Bathroom – lavender, tea tree, lemon
4. Have a Spice Party
Pull out the spices that always lurk at the back of your cabinet. Give them some love by making up a few blends you can use to perk up brown rice or bedazzle your kale. Use your nose to determine what goes with what. If you’re missing one or two (no mace on hand?), don’t sweat it, just omit and it’ll still taste good. Here are some ideas to get you started…
Garam Masala – cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, mace, peppercorns, coriander, turmeric, cumin
Herbs de Provence – marjoram, thyme, rosemary, oregano, sage, tarragon
Cajun – cayenne, oregano, paprika, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, garlic & onion powder, salt & pepper
Thai – basil, cumin, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, curry
Caribbean – allspice, nutmeg, garlic, cloves, ginger, cinnamon
5. Make Like Monet
Find some art supplies and make an interpretation of what you see out your window (or your view if the weather’s nice and you can sit outside). Use markers or paint or even make-up (since you’re probably not using it much while sitting at home). You could even try finger painting with those back-of-the-cabinet spices. If you really don’t have supplies on hand, make a collage with magazine pics, ribbon, fancy paper scraps, fabric.
Don’t fret about artistic ability, just play. Make it realistic, abstract, symbolic or a hybrid. You don’t have to hang it on your fridge afterward, but you certainly can.
paint palette
6. Dip into a Tea Bath
If you love the idea of taking a bath but never find the time, now’s your chance. The warm water will relax your muscles (and mind), and the soothing ambiance will comfort your heart.
Customize your soak with an item you probably have in your kitchen—tea. You can use almost any type, but I highly recommend making sure it’s caffeine free. Try chamomile, rose, green…whatever you have on hand.
Put the bags (or loose tea in an infuser) directly in the stream of the warm water as you fill the tub and then let it steep and you sink in. You can even add powdered milk and honey to soften your skin.
loose tea
7. Be a Captivated Audience
Check out some of the living room concerts on Instagram live, YouTube or Facebook live. Give these generous artists your full attention (and maybe some tips). After all, how often do you have Hozier sitting right across from you?
Singing and dancing are good stress-reducers, so channel your inner Beyonce and let it all go. Hozier doesn’t judge.
8. Feel the Love
Do a self-massage with lovely smelling oils or lotion. If you have some essential oils, add a few drops of your favorites to almond, sesame or melted coconut oil, or even your regular lotion. As you gently rub, give thanks for your health and well-being.
If you’re too tired to do a whole-body massage, focus solely (sorry) on your feet. Inhale the scent and appreciate how hard they work for you.
9. Go On a Sensory Walk
Taking a walk through your neighborhood may be nothing novel at this point so try it a different way by leading with your senses. Notice the sights, sounds, textures and smells along your route.
If trees are blooming, take a minute to smell their flowers—magnolia, cherry, apple? If trees have already peaked, sniff bulbs (hyacinth) and bushes (honeysuckle). Come up with some simple adjectives, like “honey, creamy, sweet.” Notice how they’re different from and similar to each other.
What do you hear? Birds, breezes, laughter? Touch (safely) some textures like bark or tile. Be conscious about what you’re seeing. Make a point to notice things you’ve never seen before and look for pleasing compositions, whether natural or constructed.
garden
10. Listen to Sounds of Silence
Close your eyes and just listen… Less traffic means you can hear sounds you might not notice. Maybe it’s birds. How many different songs can you pick up? When it rains, focus on only the sounds of drops. When it’s windy, turn your mind off and just listen. That’s all, just listen.
If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can smile, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace. —Thich Nhat Hanh
To see the full version including photo collages from the book visit "https:/sacredsensualliving.com/10-ways-to-us..."
