In the hurry and scurry of the day, make time for self-care and mindfulness. This practice provides nourishment mentally and physically.
Here are a few of my favorite mindful things! (Did Julie Andrews sing about that?)
Morning Coffee
I have a sign in my kitchen that says, “All I need today is a little bit of coffee and a whole lot of Jesus!” Every day begins with coffee! But just one cup for me, thank you, and it must be full of flavor and aroma. There is no conversation before coffee. I drink, I read my Bible app, and I’m ready to begin the day! Now you can talk to me.
Pet Love
Cats will let you know when the time is right, but dogs are ready anytime! If I’m working, Rusty will circle my chair and pat my leg. My signal that break time has arrived. I lift him onto my lap, and he curls up, hugging my tummy. As I stroke his head, his deep purr reverberates through my stomach and calms my body. He looks up with his golden eyes. I notice the pattern of his stripes, the softness of his fur. After a few minutes, break time is over, and he moves on to his cushion by my desktop for the rest of his nap. I remember all we experienced in his growing up and whisper a thank you to God for bringing him into my life.
Tea Time
Tea culture is prominent in many countries of the world. Have you discovered it too? Tea is a perfect example of mindfulness. The process makes us slow down and encompasses all our senses.
I have always been a tea drinker, but recently my sister gave me a beautiful little teapot that elevated my tea experience to a whole new level. Not only are the china parts beautiful, but the clear pot allows me to enjoy the rich colors of the tea as it brews. As the pot sits on the cup, it can warm any milk I may have added below. As I pour the tea into the cup, I enjoy the beautiful fragrance of the tea. Then, every sip warms and comforts me.
Along with my tea set, I received a box of Osulluc Camellia tea from JeJu Island of South Korea. It is like drinking a cup of flowers! Many of my favorite teas come from Celestial Seasonings. I was living in Boulder, Colorado, when the company began. Back then, they sold their teas only in health food stores. They have a wide selection, and their teas are always delightful and never bitter.
Moon Milk
Did your grandmother ever want to give you warm milk? Our modern-day version is called Moon Milk. Drinking Moon Milk right before bed has helped me so much. It quiets my mind and lets my body know it is preparing for rest.
There are so many recipes out there, but here are the basics: milk, honey or pure maple syrup, pure vanilla if you like, then add your choice of calming herbs and spices like lavender, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, use your imagination and to your tastes. I make mine with maple, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg, and it is so yummy!
Outsidey
A guy named Brandon on Tic Tok is credited for saying, “I’m not outdoorsy, I’m outsidey,” meaning he is not big on outdoor adventures, but loves a picnic in the park. More like nature for leisure versus nature for adventure.
My take on self-care outsideyness? Time on a bench outside my front door! As I sit, I lift my face to the sun, feeling the breeze in my hair, listening to birds or bugs. I rest and try to empty my mind of worries or to-dos. I look at the trees, notice the flowers, watch the lizard dart across the sidewalk, wave at a passing car.
Nature is healing. Sitting, walking, hiking, adventuring, whatever you like to do outside, make time for it every day!
Extra-Special Help
Are you feeling especially anxious? Try the “3-3-3 Rule” to refocus and disrupt those racing thoughts and emotions:
- Name three things you see
- Name three things you hear
- Move three parts of your body
Connect to God
I have saved the best for last! There is only one way to quiet your soul, and that is to connect to God. Read about Him in the Bible. Talk to Him. Be thankful for His goodness. Do you need help? Ask Him. God works in ways we can never understand. Trust Him. He is there for you and loves you with an unchanging and everlasting love!
I have several boards on Pinterest full of inspiration for many of these ideas. Check them out here!
“When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” Psalm 94:19
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