Honor Your Body-Mind

Written by Cathy Shea, LMT, CT


SIMPLE PRACTICES
My intention with this article is to provide you with resources that will nurture and nourish the body, mind and soul. Please email me any practices you are using or hear about so we may expand on this list.
Thank you for participating in the wellness of the world with me! TAKE TIME ALONE FOR REFLECTION-on a daily basis
READ AN UPLIFTING BOOK AND GET LOST IN THE STORY WATCH A FUNNY MOVIE-boycott the violence on TV and movies READ ONLY THE COMICS IN THE NEWSPAPER
HOT BATHS-mix 2 cups Epsom salts with Essential oils such as:
Juniper & Ginger-warms aching muscles
Lavender & Sage-reduces mental/emotional stress
Spearmint & Bergamot-energizing
Chamomile & Rose-softens dry, irritated skin
Germanium & Jasmine-comforting & soothing
Lavender & Chamomile-reduces nervous energy inducing sleep
MEDITATION-minimum 20minutes, take instruction PRAYER-listen, trust and give thanks STILLNESS-stop the "busy-ness"
SILENCE-turn off the TV, phone, etc.
CALMING MUSIC-Mozart is great
GET LOST IN THE MUSIC AT A CONCERT/BALLET/THEATRE TAKE NOTHING PERSONALLY-it's another's opinion
ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST-no regrets
TAKE YOUR PULSE & REGULATE IT CONSCIOUSLY
EAT ORGANIC FOOD EXCLUSIVELY & COMMIT TO THIS
MASSAGE-on yourself or by another
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE-on yourself or by another CRANIALSACRAL THERAPY
ENJOY NATURE IN ALL HER WONDEROUS FORMS EXERCISE THAT YOU ENJOY THAT MAKES YOU SWEAT CHAT W/TRUSTED FRIEND/FAMILY
PARTICIPATE IN A CHURCH SERVICE
SPIRITUAL PRACTICES/RITUALS OF THE SEASONS WATCHING SUNRISE/SUNSET
PLAY-alone or with someone fun
OBSERVE CHILDREN CLOSELY
SOUND SLEEP IS VITAL TO CELL REJUVENATION-8 hours HOLD A ROCK OR SHELL AND FEEL IT FULLY
STUDY A FLOWER OR LEAF FOR ITS DETAIL
LAUGH WITH YOUR ENTIRE BODY
FIND WAYS TO MAKE OTHERS LAUGH
ASK FOR WHAT YOU NEED
BE WILLING TO RECEIVE
FIND WAYS TO BE GENEROUS-time, money, gifts, compliments TAKE A NAP IN THE FETAL POSITION-good daily practice CLOSE YOUR EYES AND VISUALIZE A FAVORITE PLACE/EXPERIENCE THAT YOU REMEMBER WITH LOVE
FOCUS ON YOUR BREATH FOR 15 MINUTES, LABEL INHALE
"IN" AND LABEL EXHALE "OUT"-excellent stress reducer
SWIM IN THE OCEAN OR MOUNTAIN LAKE
WALK WITHOUT AGENDA THROUGH A MUSEUM OR ART & CRAFT SHOW
BUY A WORK OF ART THAT YOU ABSOLUTELY LOVE- A pair of earrings or other work of art
LUXURIATE IN A FAVORITE FOOD-keep it in your mouth as long as possible to savor the flavor
STAR GAZE-this helps us return to right relationship with time MAKE A DATE WITH YOURSELF-put it on your calendar & honor it MAKE A DATE WITH SOMEONE YOU LOVE-same as above THROW WATER BALLOONS AND GET WET AS THEY SPLASH TAKE DANCE CLASSES-belly dancing will open your center DANCE LIKE NO ONE IS WATCHING
WRAP YOUR SKIN IN SILK OR CASHMERE AND SENSE THE PLEASURE AS YOU MOVE
WEAR YOUR FAVORITE COLOR OFTEN
COMPLIMENT PEOPLE IN GENUINE WAYS
VOLUNTEER AT THE LOCAL HOSPITAL, LIBRARY, ETC.
GIVE AWAY SOMETHING THAT YOU ADORE-willingly!
STUDY SOMETHING YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT-language, cooking...its endless!
AS YOU COOK, BLESS EACH CHOP & PIECE YOU PREPARE
COMMUNICATE WITH AN ANIMAL, YOUR PET OR NATURE LIGHT CANDLES FOR DINNER EVERY NIGHT
MOVE THE FURNITURE OFTEN TO KEEP YOUR HOME FRESH CLEAN AND POLISH AT HOME WITH ATTENTION TO DETAIL ATTEND A SELF-IMPROVEMENT MEETING AND LISTEN WITH YOUR HEART OPEN-12-STEP MEETINGS ARE GREAT!
SAY "NO" OFTEN WHEN IT IS YOUR TRUTH
TELL YOUR TRUTH IN A LOVING WAY-this builds intimacy KEEP THE FOCUS ON "YOU"-stay out of other people's business SHARE YOUR WEALTH BY TITHING 10% OF YOUR GROSS INCOME-guaranteed to bless and multiply
KNOW YOUR LIMITS AND BE WILLING TO STOP
FIND A MENTOR-connect with them regularly for guidance
BE A MENTOR-give it back to someone in need
RESPECT OUR ELDERS-we're next!
RESPECT OUR EARTH-no littering, wasteful consumerism, etc. MAKE A DECISION TO BE HAPPY-it truly is a choice
Written November 2004 while on retreat.