Beauty In The Beholder
When I started this blog it wasn't just to update everyone on dance class information. I was most excited about sharing a more intimate space with you guys. Some of you may already know that I am a Reiki Master Practitioner, and I have a deep spiritual side that makes me passionate about wellbeing.
I think when you are a deep person it means you not only think deeply but you feel deeply too. Your emotional health is intertwined with your mental health and your perceptions, judgements and beliefs influence your thoughts which form the basis of your emotions.
I used to struggle with depression and was overwhelmed with difficult feelings; I think people who meet me now would be very surprised to hear that. Over the years I have read around the subjects of popular psychology and new age spirituality and I am keen to share my wellbeing techniques in case they can be useful to others.
Even if you feel perfectly happy in life, the things I am about to share will be a fun exercise for you! Okay I will get on with it now and stop blabbing, sorry, I am a chatterbox!
One of my daily rituals, which admittedly is hard to stick to as life does and will get in the way and sometimes I look back and see I haven't done it for a week. But I have to say, when I do go back after having not done this for a week, I certainly feel the difference! That daily ritual is a gratitude diary. Before my daughter wakes up, I make a coffee (okay maybe it should be water and lemon but I do like my vices) and sit next to my window overlooking the garden and write down what I am grateful for in my life.
It could be simple things like the birdsong I am hearing, or the warm dressing gown I am wearing. Or it could be that my daughter still has lovely chubby cheeks from being small and I know I will miss them when she grows older. It doesn't have to be big things, and I try not to focus on things I have achieved, but more the things that just are around; the things I can appreciate. Like the way the light is changing in the seasons, the colours the leaves are turning, or the sunny smile from the lady on the bus yesterday. It helps to get my mindset in a place where I am able to see the things around me and see beauty to fill my heart with joy.
At the end of this exercise I also acknowledge something I like about myself. Now is the time I might think of something I have achieved, or a quality that I possess that I like. I am a big believer in self love; and the way that I encourage this is by appreciating myself as well. Giving myself a well done or seeing the good in myself really helps me to feel worthy, which is a really important part of feeling content in life and being able to manifest more good things into my life.
Then finally I make a little wish. Sometimes it will be a small thing like to have a stress free day and for everything to run smoothly, and sometimes I go BIG and wish for a shiny new car or an incredible holiday. I don't do anymore than that. I don't make plans of how to get it, and I don't worry about the details, I just set the intention and then move on with my day.
It is such a lush practise and even though it sounds small and obvious, it makes SUCH a difference. Life can be hectic and we have so many devices and modes of communication that our thoughts get interrupted and and and... This way you just shut out the noise, take some time to sit with yourself and your inner voice and be calm as you look around you and see the beauty in what you already have. I have been doing this for two years and my life has changed dramatically not only in my inner landscape, but my material things too. When you already appreciate what you have, you attract more good things.
Love, Coco x