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 STORYWATCH A FUNNY MOVIE-boycott the violence on TV and moviesREAD 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.