Happiness
Need A Lift?
This was shared on Facebook, and I thought these great tips for overcoming depression would be really helpful as we work on navigating how to practice Radical Self Care.
- Shower.
Not a bath, a shower. Use water as hot or cold as you like. You don’t even need to wash. Just get in under the water and let it run over you for a while.
- Moisturize everything.
Use whatever lotion you like. Unscented? Dollar store lotion? Fancy 48 hour lotion that makes you smell like a field of wildflowers? Use whatever you want, and use it all over your entire dermis.
- Wear clean, comfortable clothes.
It really makes a difference. Comfortable and clean are the key words here. Doesn’t matter if it’s jeans or pajamas. It can even be a combination of the two.
- Put on your favorite underwear.
Cute black lacy panties? Those ridiculous boxers you bought last Christmas with candy cane hearts on the butt? Put them on.
- Drink cold water.
Use ice. If you want, add some mint or lemon for an extra boost. I always use lemon.
- Clean something.
Doesn’t have to be anything big. Organize one drawer of a desk. Wash five dirty dishes. Do a load of laundry. Scrub the bathroom sink.
- Blast music.
Listen to something upbeat and dancey and loud, something that’s got lots of energy. Sing to it, dance to it, even if you suck at both.
- Make Food
Don’t just grab a granola bar to munch. Take the time and make food. Even if it’s ramen. Add something special to it, like a soft boiled egg or some veggies. Prepare food, it tastes way better, and you’ll feel like you accomplished something.
- Make something.
Write a short story or a poem, draw a picture, color a picture, fold origami, crochet or knit, sculpt something out of clay, anything artistic. Even if you don’t think you’re good at it. Create.
- Go outside.
Take a walk. Sit in the grass. Look at the clouds. Smell flowers. Put your hands in the dirt and feel the soil against your skin.
- Call someone.
Call a loved one, a friend, a family member, call a chat service if you have no one else to call. Talk to a stranger on the street. Have a conversation and listen to someone’s voice. If you can’t bring yourself to call, text or email or whatever, just have some social interaction with another person. Even if you don’t say much, listen to them. It helps.
- Cuddle your pets
If you have them (and if you can) cuddle them. Take pictures of them. Talk to them. Tell them how you feel, about your favorite movie, a new game coming out, anything.
Notes:
- It may seem small or silly to some, but this list keeps people alive.
- At your absolute best you won’t be good enough for the wrong people. But at your worst, you’ll still be worth it to the right ones. Remember that. Keep holding on.
- In case nobody has told you today I love you and you are worth your weight and then some in gold, so be kind to yourself and most of all keep pushing on!!!!
- Find something to be grateful for!
Be Good To Yourself Therapy
I found a cute little book in my personal library. It’s called Be Good To Yourself Therapy. It is a very simple short little book that details 37 rules for coping from day to day. There is some really good stuff here. Enjoy!
- 1. Trust yourself. You know what you want and need.
- 2. Put yourself first. You can’t be anything for anybody else unless you take care of yourself.
- 3. Let your feelings be known. They are important.
- 4. Express your opinions. It’s good to hear yourself talk.
- 5. Value your thinking. You do it well.
- 6. Take the time and space you need – even if other people are wanting something from you.
- 7. When you need something, don’t talk yourself out of it. Even if you can’t have it, it’s OK to need.
- 8. When you’re scared, let someone know. Isolating yourself when you’re scared makes it worse.
- 9. When you feel like running away, let yourself feel the scare. Think about what you fear will happen and decide what you need to do.
- 10. When you’re angry, let yourself feel the anger. Decide what you want to do; just feel it, express it, or take some action.
- 11. When you’re sad, think about what would be comforting.
- 12. When you’re hurt, tell the person who hurt you. Keeping it inside makes it grow.
- 13. When you see someone else’s hurt face, breathe. You are not responsible for making other people happy.
- 14. When you have work to do and you don’t want to do it, decide what really needs to be done and what can wait.
- 15. When you want something from someone else, ask. You’ll be OK if they say no. Asking is being true to yourself.
- 16. When you need help, ask. Trust people to say no if they don’t want to give.
- 17. When people turn you down, it usually has to do with them and not with you. Ask someone else for what you need.
- 18. When you feel alone, know there are people who want to be with you. Fantasize what it would be like to be with each of them. Decide if you want to make that happen.
- 19. When you feel anxious, let yourself know that in your head you’ve moved into the future to something scary and your body has gotten up the energy for it. Come back to the present.
- 20. When you want to say something loving to someone, go ahead. Expressing your feelings is not a commitment.
- 21. When someone yells at you, physically support yourself by relaxing into your chair or putting your feet firmly on the floor. Remember to breathe. Think about the message they are trying to get across to you.
- 22. When you’re harassing yourself, stop. You do it when you need something. Figure out what you need and get it.
- 23. When everything seems wrong, you are overwhelmed and need some comforting. Ask for it. Afterwards, you can think about what you need to do.
- 24. When you want to talk to someone new and are scared, breathe. Don’t start rehearsing, just plunge in. If it doesn’t go well, you can stop.
- 25. If you’re doing something you don’t like to do (such as smoking or overeating), stop. Think about what you really want. If you’re stuck and can’t think clearly, talk out loud to someone.
- 26. When you can’t think straight, stop thinking. Feel.
- 27. When you’re in need of love, reach out. There are people who love you.
- 28. When you’re confused, it’s usually because you think you should do one thing and you want to do another. Dialogue with yourself out loud or on paper, or present both sides to a friend.
- 29. When you feel harried, slow down. Deliberately slow your breathing, your speech, and your movements.
- 30. When you have tears, cry.
- 31. When you feel like crying and it’s not a safe place to cry, acknowledge your pain and promise yourself a good cry later. Keep your promise.
- 32. When somebody does you wrong, be actively angry with them.
- 33. When everything seems gray, look for color.
- 34. When you feel like a baby, take care of the baby in you.
- 35. When somebody gives you a gift, say “thank you.” That’s all you need to do. A gift is not an obligation.
- 36. When somebody loves you, just accept and be glad. Love is not an obligation. You don’t have to do anything in return.
- 37. If one of these rules seems wrong for you, talk about it with someone. Then, rewrite it so it fits for you.
Source: Be Good To Yourself Therapy by Cherry Hartman
Enjoy Every Moment
Enjoy every moment.
There’s plenty of time to be dead.
Thinking About The Sun
I have been thinking about the Sun a lot as we worked our way through this project, and a number of things have occurred to me.
- We can count on the Sun. It shows up every day… on time… as expected.
- The Sun shines on everyone, saints and sinners alike. It doesn’t matter if you are a good person, if you deserve the sunshine, or if you are a terrible person and don’t deserve it at all. The Sun is right there, shining.
- Even when we can’t see it, it’s there. Cloudy skies, storms, and rain? The Sun is still shining. Even at night, that Sun is still shining somewhere.
- The Sun is the Sun no matter what. We can complain that it’s too hot, or we can wish the days were longer, or shorter. We can throw temper tantrums, we can beg, we can cry, we can do ritual and ceremonies… and the Sun remains the Sun. It does not change it’s essential nature to suit our needs. It is what it is. No apologies ~ no regrets.
- The Sun is good. Yes, too much Sun can have a detrimental effect. But, in essence, the Sun is good. It gives us life, warmth, happiness, energy, Vitamin D. It shines. Some people really suffer from not enough Sun during the Winter months.
- Does the Sun worry about the future? I bet not! I don’t think it dwells on the past either. I can’t imagine the Sun is full of angst and regret, remorse and guilt, frustration and anger. I think the Sun is way too big, too powerful, too in the moment for that kind of thing.
- The Sun withholds nothing. Boom! There it is. The Sun. In all it’s glory. All of it. Not just some of it, or pieces of it… all of it. Right there in the sky. Shining.
- I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that we love the Sun. We love it because it is, we love it because of what it does for us, we love it because we need it, we love it because we love shiny things… we have lots of different reasons to love the Sun.
I wonder what would happen if I was more like the Sun.
Sun Stones
“I am proud of who I am,” is the affirmation of Sunstone, a crystal known to help us find our joy, harmony and happiness after a dark time. Its properties of vitality and empowerment are particularly beneficial for those under the signs of Leo and Libra, both of whom rely on their good humor and ability to find joy in life. Sunstone’s primary chakra is the Root Chakra, connected to our basic needs and establishing our foundation.
Giving off a bright and cheery glow of good vibes, the Sunstone crystal is the perfect sunblock to protect a sensitive spirit from our toxic and imperfect world. Like a strong SPF for the spirit, it wards off negativity while allowing you to bask in the glow of its mighty sunbeams. Call on the Sunstone crystal meaning during your darkest hour and get a deep spiritual tan when you take a vacation from the daily stress of everyday life.
A member of an extensive group of minerals known as feldspars, the Sunstone crystal warms up the chakras and gives you a lovely sun-kissed glow in the middle of an emotional winter. By stimulating the sacral chakra, Sunstone brings a flood of light into dark corners of the mind, making it an excellent healing aid for clearing away negative thought patterns. Like the ancient Buddhist proverb says, we are what we think, so if you’re in a grumpy mood, snap out of it with the bright and sunny Sunstone crystal stone, the best antidepressant in the world of gemstones.
Expand the mind to a higher consciousness when you incorporate Sunstone crystal healing properties into your daily wellness routine. Every morning when the sun rises and offers the gift of a new day, let the Sunstone be your daily dose of Vitamin C for the spirit. By bolstering a sense of self worth and confidence, Sunstone is your healing prescription for a case of the blues.
Bring an instant ray of sunshine into your life when you incorporate the Sunstone crystal stone meaning into your daily meditation practice. Step away from the TV remote, Instagram, and anything else that might distract you and enter a sacred space that encourages quiet introspection and solitude. Even better, take your therapeutic session outside and witness the soles of your feet rooting to the energy of the earth. Tell the crystal your intention by declaring out loud a set of empowering mantras that reconnect you with the healing rhythm of nature.
Possessing energy as bright and cheery as its vibrant aesthetic, the Sunstone crystal meaning is linked with the playful whimsy of childhood. While maintaining the daily stress of adulting in the modern world, Sunstone reminds us to keep a healthy balance between career demands and fun in the sun.
First discovered in Norway, the Sunstone crystal is linked with ancient Norse texts that reference the Vikings using it to navigate the seas. Thanks to tiny particles of Hematite, Sunstone gets it distinctive shimmer from light-reflecting properties, which these famous seafarers used to catch rays of light from the sun, the undisputed GPS of Mother Nature.
Call on the Sunstone crystal meaning and learn how to make peace with your past mistakes. After all, it’s our imperfections that help us grow and transform. Wherever you happen to be on your spiritual journey, hold the Sunstone crystal in your hand and give yourself permission to love yourself unconditionally, letting go of painful memories of the past and moving forward, just like the sun rises and sets in the never-ending cycle of night and day.
When it comes to its vibrant aesthetic, Sunstone is as dazzling as its namesake. It gets its distinctive shimmery finish from aventurescence, which is caused by tiny prisms of red copper or hematite. Always feel the invigorating vibes of cheery Sunstone by wearing it on a necklace. Its intense orange color reflects its link to the Sun, its ruling celestial object, and also its power to brighten up and clear away clouds of pessimism.
As an all-around chakra cleanser, Sunstone is an essential addition to healing grids because it clears and activates all energy pathways, helping increase the power of the other stones. If you lack a sense of sweetness in your life, it’s time to call on Sunstone crystal healing properties to evoke the notion of joie de vivre. Following the spirit of the time-honored proverb, Sunstone crystal healing properties gives you the guidance to turn your face towards the sun, letting the shadows fall behind you. Sunstone is a shining light of optimism, your celestial lighthouse that you can always count on to guide you to safety.
Reflecting the same color as the marigold flower, Sunstone properties give jewelry a warming effect by harnessing the power of the sun and its ability to strengthen the spirits. If you yearn for the healing effects of the sun, heat things up with Sunstone, an easy remedy for seasonal affective disorder and garden-variety depression. Like a fire always burning bright, Sunstone is your spiritual hot chocolate, which is perfect for warming up the chakras and opening up your heart to love and its incredible healing and transformative effects.
The color of the Sun and its life-giving energy, Sunstone symbolizes hopefulness because even the darkest night will give way to a rising sun.
Sunstone Meditation
Sunstone meditation can help you feel the powers of the sun and light. With Sunstone’s light, it can help clear and energize your chakras.
- Here is the meditation:
Hold a Sunstone in each hand, palms open. Close your eyes and breathe complete breaths. Breathe in and out, slowing your breath. Imagine that you are a bright light, and that your hands, arms, head, and neck glow with the brightness of this light. Envision the light expanding and covering everything abundantly. Feel the warmth of your skin as it glows and spreads the light. Feel the warmness of the light as it heals your mind, body, and spirit.
Sources:
- Energy Muse
- Astrology Answers
- Strong With Purpose
- More Sunstone information posted over at Magickal Ingredients.
Fun With Work!
“Life without fun is like a dead flounder.”
~SFX
No matter what you’re doing, no matter what you’re into, today, remember a time when you really, REALLY enjoyed your work.
- When you were excited, motivated, inspired and you knew COMPLETELY why you were doing what you were doing.
- When you had a really GOOD TIME at work, with work, and through work.
- Remember what that was, and make a decision to DO MORE OF THAT.
Work is a big part of our lives, and if it isn’t fun, or it isn’t exciting, we are wasting the most precious commodity we have!
From:
- Dr Silvia Hartmann
- The 60 Second Wealth Creators
- Provided by www.DragonRising.com
Morning Mood Boosters
It would be nice to bounce out of bed in the mornings, full of life and happy to start a fresh new day on this beautiful planet! For many of us though, the sound of our dreaded alarm has us burrowing further under the duvet not quite ready to face the world.
Even if you’re not a morning person here are 10 tips to boost your mood and make your day a happier one. These tips are from WebMD, medically reviewed and approved.
- 1. Think positive
When you wake up don’t roll over and think: “Urgh! Another stressful day to get through.” Start thinking positive thoughts. “The sun is shining; I’ll have lunch outside today.”
Take time to be mindful of all of the good things in your life, family, friends, your health. Spend a few minutes thinking of a holiday you are planning or a birthday party you’re going to.
If you start on a positive note your day has a better chance of continuing in the same vein.
- 2. Get close
Make time to start your day with morning sex. It’s going to lift your spirits and set you up for the day ahead.
Exercise releases endorphins, feel-good chemicals, but you don’t need science to know that being close and loving with your partner makes you feel good.
If there’s no time for sex, make do with a hug and a kiss.
- 3. Stretch
Pilates, tai chi or yoga are relaxing ways to start your day. They work on the mind and body so as well as promoting physical health they can help you achieve an inner mental balance.
“For those of us who creak our way out of bed, a few yoga poses are a lovely way to unfurl the body and dispel the morning grumps,” says yoga teacher Eva Paoli.
“Yoga lengthens and strengthens tight, weak muscles, eases aching back, neck and shoulders and gets the synovial fluid going, which lubricates your joints. Yoga can also be used as preparation for meditation – do both to help preserve your inner calm through a busy day.”
- 4. Exercise
You may have to force yourself to go for a run or hit the gym but exercise is one of the most effective morning mood boosters.
When you exercise your body releases endorphins, feel-good chemicals, in your brain
The NHS says exercise can help people recover from depression and prevent people becoming depressed in the first place.
Also regular exercise can make you feel happier about how you look and make you feel better about your body.
- 5. Go outside
When you wake up, why not make a hot drink and sit in your garden, weather permitting!
There’s some evidence that being outside and listening to nature can boost your mood.
The charity, Mind, believes that activities outdoors like gardening and cycling, or even a walk around the park, are good for our mental health.
- 6. Eat a good breakfast
Eat your way to a happy day! Try starting your morning with a nutritious mix of complex carbohydrates and proteins that will last you until lunch.
“We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. However, it is also proven, not only that people who eat breakfast have a lower incidence of obesity, but they may also be happier,” says British Dietetic Association spokesperson, Jennifer Low.
She says: “Breakfast tends to contain carbohydrates which can increase serotonin, the ‘happy chemical’, in the brain.”
“A good, healthy, low glycaemic breakfast might be a bowl of high fibre cereal and milk, or eggs and two slices of toast, or fruit and low fat yoghurt, for example.”
- 7. Listen to music
Why not switch on the radio or listen to your music player. Music has the power to improve our moods. You know what it’s like when you hear a favourite song, it can transform your mood or take you back to a good memory.
Research by neuroscientist, Dr Jack Lewis, suggests that songs with a high-pitched tone, a fast pace and a predictable melody make us the most happy.
His study suggests hits by Prince, Bob Marley and The Beach Boys are good mood boosters.
8. Use some essential oils
Smell is a very powerful sense. It can also have an effect on our mood.
When you get up in the morning try burning an essential oil that will help you feel more positive.
“Essential oils are the pure scents of nature, from flowers, fruits, woods, bark and leaves. As soon as these pure scents are inhaled the brain actively responds, changing moods and feelings and bringing a sense of well-being and pleasure,” says Jennie Harding from Tisserand Aromatherapy.
“Citrus oils like lemon and orange, with their zesty and mouth-watering aromas, have an instantly uplifting effect, or fresh herbal oils like rosemary and peppermint, help to clear the mind and aid/help concentration.”
Aromatherapy may not be suitable for everyone, including pregnant women or people with a heart condition. Seek medical advice if you are concerned.
- 9. Be prepared and keep calm
Mornings can be a stressful time, especially when children are thrown into the mix, chivvying them to get dressed, brush their teeth and remember their homework.
Make sure that they have their uniforms laid out, bags packed, shoes by the door, the night before so there can be a calm start to everyone’s day.
Keep the happy mood going by making sure you give them a kiss and a hug before school, if they’ll let you!
- 10. Smile
Make yourself smile in the morning. Even if you fake it there is some suggestion that forcing yourself to smile will actually make you feel better.
Psychologist Paul Ekman conducted a study of students to see if they would feel happier by making themselves smile.
The students’ brain activity was measured while they followed instructions to smile. Whether the students’ smiles were real or fake the activity in their brains was virtually the same. They felt happy.
Also smiling is contagious. If your family see you smiling in the morning they are more likely to smile and feel happier themselves.
Good Morning!
Good Morning- If you want to be happy , be!
~Leo Tolstoy
Is Life Happy To See You?
This is a talk by Astarius with some toning, didgeridoo, and a few other things. If you are more interested in the chants than the talks, check the sidebar widget for your favorite and give it a listen. If you like his little talks, you’ll like this one too.
I didn’t transcribe the talk, but the YouTube video also included a little poem about “The Major Motion Picture of Reality” which you will see below.
“THE MAJOR MOTION PICTURE OF EVERYDAY REALITY”
Did you know
That your mind is a stage
That your thoughts are actors
Who act upon this stage
And determine your future
Your outward destiny
Preparing a Major Motion Picture
Of everyday reality
Now who is the director?
Is it your God-Self?
Or are the scenes prepared
By that lower negative self
This negative self is a tyrant
A maker of X-rated confusion
Let God In You prepare your scenes
And avoid the wrath of illusion
If your thoughts of positiveness
Become limited and laxed
Tell them Cut, let’s do it again
For you can do better than that
Negative thoughts may enter your stage
They too come to audition
But you don’t have to use them
No don’t you dare give them the position
For negative thoughts are very poor talent
And this is a known factor
So don’t make the foolish mistake
Of hiring any old actor
When negative thoughts come to audition
And await their final score
Send them away from you Theater-of-Mind
To the Broadway of Never-No-More
Use only the best Thought-Actors
On the Stage of your Mentality
And you will Star in a Beautiful Future
In The Major Motion Picture of Everyday Reality
Audio Version of the Video
Links:
- His website: Astarius.com
- YouTube channel: Astarius Miraculii
- Facebook page: Astarius Miraculii
- Radical Self Care Project Overview by shirleytwofeathers - No Comment
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me: Make Your Own Violet Fire
Abdulrahman: Money Chant – Very Fast
Shirley Twofeathers: It’s A Wrap
Daniel Knirs: It’s A Wrap
Our current project began on July 4. We are exploring the concept and practice of Radical Self Care . Feel free to join in at any time!
Interested? You can visit our current project page, or you can take a look at the About The Project page if you are curious about the concept.
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Please feel free to join in at any time! No experience necessary.
- Money Chant - Fast
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- Amazing Creator
- Cause and Effect
- I Am That I Am
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