Self-Care Resources for
Body, Mind, and Spirit
What curious times we’re living in! While our new normal is disorienting, at times even distressing, we believe that in the midst of all this change there is opportunity for both wonder and possibility. We believe that we will not only survive this upheaval, this shift, but we will find ways to thrive in spite of it!
Our intent is to provide you with resources, perspectives, and inspiration to help you navigate these uncharted waters. Whether you just need something to take your mind away from the media onslaught or you’re looking for new ways to turn within, we have tried to include a little something for everyone.
Enjoy!
BODY
SpringForest Qigong
During this time of isolation, internationally-renowned Qigong Master Chunyi Lin is offering live sessions on FaceBook to teach us simple movements with great healing potential. Even if you’ve never heard of qigong, you will enjoy this moving meditation.
Click HERE
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Yoga with Adriene
Yoga is great way to relieve stress and maintain balance in our lives during these challenging times.Adriene provides free yoga classes online via YouTube. Let your body stress melt away with one of her classes.
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Breathe!
Our breath is the simplest tool we have for relieving stress and increasing wellbeing. It’s always available to us and actually quite easy to adjust in order to bring about a sense of calm and relaxation. We like these two exercises. Try one or both and begin to breathe easier today.
To try HeartMath’s Heart-Focused Breathing® Technique – Click HERE
To try the 4 – 7 – 8 Breathing Technique – Click HERE
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HeartMath Appreciation Exercise
Did you know that heartfelt appreciation can facilitate the healing of the human body and spirit?
Sincere, heartfelt appreciation uplifts, inspires and drives us to achieve that which we did not think possible. Why not try a simple Appreciation Exercise right now. It only takes a minute – we think you will be surprised by the results.
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Dancing the Blues Away
Finding ways to move your body during the quarantine has been a goal in this section. Throughout this giant pause, people all over the world have “busted out” their dancing moves. From dance challenges on Tik Tok to Instagram to Facebook, kids from young to young- at- heart show that tapping those toes, waving those arms and spinning those bodies really can elevate your mood and energy. With the gradual lifting of restrictions, is it time for you to discover your dance moves and celebrate a little? Why not try it ? Here are some aspiring dances and challenges to get you started.
Dance Challenge #1 ~ Click Here
Dancing Dad & Daughter ~ Click Here
Tik Tok Doctor ~ Click Here
MIND
Adopting a Self-care Mindset that Sticks
In the midst of change and uncertainty, self-care becomes even more critical. We need time and space to rest, reflect and renew, but we often struggle with making these things a daily habit. With her free (and quick!) e-course Emily Madill shows us how to “Adopt a Self-Care Mindset that Sticks”
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Gratitude and Thriving
Gratitude makes us happier, healthier, and more empathetic; it may even help us live longer, says the research to date. There are specific ways to cultivate gratefulness— here are some ideas from the Greater Good Magazine:
Five Ways to Make the Most of Gratitude ~ Click Here
Four Great Gratitude Strategies ~ Click Here
A Gratitude Practice from Dacher Keltner ~ Click Here
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Choosing a Positive Mindset
The Giant Pause has been a challenging journey, one fraught with myriad emotions. We’ve all had our highs and lows as we struggle to find the way forward. Choosing a positive mindset is critical to uncovering the beautiful possibilities that lie ahead. This provocative video provides wonderful food for thought to help cultivate optimism.
A Tale of Two Mindsets ~ Click Here
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Virtual museums from around the world
There is incredible array of places to visit and explore in the world. With the current situation, world class opportunities to expand your mind are at your fingertips.
Click HERE
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Aquarium of the Pacific
There is incredible array of places to visit and explore in the world. With the current situation, there are numerous opportunities to “virtually visit” from the comforts of home.
Click HERE
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Wonders of the Night Skies
Recently, it has been stated that the skies are bluer and clearer than ever due to lack of pollution from cars etc. Imagine that! Here is your opportunity to explore the beauty and wonders of the night skies from the National Parks Service
SPIRIT
With our collective quarantine time, there exists the chance of each of us to open ourselves to new insights.
Tara Brach
offers a free meditation that includes a relaxing body scan and guidance on finding a space of peace and balance. Click HERE
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Mindfulness Daily
can help you establish or deepen a mindfulness practice. It is a FREE 40-day course from Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. Truly a simple, step-by-step process to making mindfulness a natural approach to every day!
Click HERE
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Walking Meditation
With a mindful intention, a stroll on the street, in the park or around the neighborhood can turn into a walking meditation. The thoughtful team at Greater Good Science have outlined easy steps to create your own practice.
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An Invitation to Dream
Processing current events can seem overwhelming, but if we view it as an opportunity to reflect, we may discover new perspectives that uplift us, give us hope, and carry us forward. We love the work of the Holstee group which inspires us to take self-care a little deeper.
This Holstee blog article is a powerful invitation to dream about what comes next.
Their online journaling app includes inspiring prompts.
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Gratitude? There’s an App for That!
In this modern, technological era various gratitude and happiness apps have emerged to help people learn how to be more grateful. Happier Human has gathered the nine best gratitude apps making it easy to be more thankful and appreciative of life. These can be simple tools to help lift your spirit!
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Setting Intentions for your New Normal
Creating a New Normal for our outer world is much easier when we do so from the vantage point of our inner world. By moving within, quieting our thoughts and engaging with our Spirit, we access our true creative power. Setting intentions is an easy practice that brings excellent results. Take some time to reflect on your current priorities and any changes you want to see in the near future (day, week, or month). These links will help you get started.
For a description of a daily practice for setting intentions ~ Click Here
For an actual guided meditation to help you set your intentions ~ Click Here
FELLOW SOJOURNERS
Mike Dooley
is offering his daily “Spiritual Tune-Ups” to help thrive during this time. Join him HERE
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Sonia Choquette
has offered interesting insights into the current situation. Looking at what is happening around us through a broader lens offers new possibilities to consider! Click HERE
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Kelly Stone Cramer
is a certified guided imagery meditation facilitator, empowerment author, retreat leader and string artist. She created Happiness Recharge after going through a powerful life transformation. Happiness Recharge embodies tools to help others find their own empowerment and reminds them to prioritize self-care because happiness is a by-product of recharging. Visit her site for additional tools for thriving now.
Click HERE
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Deepak Chopra
is a fellow sojourner that we turn to time and again. His website offers many resources to help us find personal growth through these interesting times, including an invitation to a free 21 day meditation he is offering with Oprah Winfrey.
Click HERE