Although Easter is approaching and we relish the chance for a much-needed break, the hustle and bustle of real life does not pause. In the lead up and over the holiday, it’s easy to slip into old habits and let self-care fall by the wayside.
My trick for keeping spiritually and mentally healthy is reminding myself to stay grounded. And I do this through mindfulness.
Mindfulness is a skill that must be learned through ongoing practise. But you mustn’t be intimidated at the thought, the art of being mindful is achievable for everyone and can be worked into your daily ritual.
For those who are new to mindfulness or those who already enjoy the practice, make sure to set aside some time for yourself this Easter and follow these four simple steps to staying grounded.
Before getting started, centre yourself with the I AM… Grounded blend to connect you with the earth and instill a sense of peace. Spray around the crown of your head and repeat the mantra, “I am nourished, centred, grounded and tranquil. Peace is within me”. You are ready to begin.
- Be mindful in the body.The first step in any mindfulness practise is becoming aware of your body. Lay on your back in a quiet room or sit in an armchair with your feet touching the ground. Close your eyes and, beginning from your toes, work your way up your body, feeling each body part from the inside out. If you get distracted, do not chastise yourself. Simply take a deep breath and begin again. Repeat as many times as necessary.
- Be mindful of feelings. This is about bringing attention and awareness to the sensations you feel with your body. A gentle breeze on your cheek, the rough scratch of your clothes or the warmth of the bed. Laying on the bed, scan your body and allow yourself to linger on any enjoyable feelings. For sensations that are less enjoyable, acknowledge and move on.
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Be mindful of the mind. For people new to mindfulness practise, this step can prove more challenging than the physical. Being mindful of how your thoughts ebb and flow, how they arise in reaction to the outside and inside world requires stillness and concentration.
- Be mindful of phenomena. This step pays homage to our five physical senses: touch, taste, smell, sound and sight. This step is useful for processing big emotions and coming back down to earth after an intense period. Once mastered, it’s also excellent for practising mindful eating - enjoying a complete sensorial eating experience. Close your eyes and take time to breath and relax. When you’re calm, open your eyes and notice the first five things you see, smell, hear, taste and feel.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that mindfulness is a journey that is different for everyone. It may take you days, weeks or months to find your own rhythm. Keep your
I AM… Grounded blend on hand to help you feel stable, centred and tranquil when practising this art.
Sending peace, love and light,
Rachel xo
