My friend came to my house one day carrying a large crate of clothing, purses, shoes and things she said reflected my personality and all my different traits. She said something that made me think; she said that everything in my house was very "Melissa." I couldn't really point to anything specific in my house that resembled me, but with everything put together, her words made sense.
Do you ever look around your house and see all the things that resemble your spirit? Something that is just you...
Your home is your castle, and with that in mind, is there something in your house that isn't you? That doesn't fit, or that resembles the opposite of who you are? One of the most powerful ways to heal and awaken your spirit is to develop awareness of your surroundings, and how your spirit is impacted by your environment.
We can do this same Meditation at the changing seasons by going to a special place outside; this can be either out on a trail away from people, by a body of water, or someplace more public like a local park. Wherever you are, pay attention to the changing of the season by noticing the shifts in the air, the trees, plants, soil and sky. While your notice these small shifts in nature, pay attention to the shifts in your spirit, your mood, and the way you perceive yourself and others. I think we're all aware of Seasonal Depression as the whether gets colder and the days get darker. Why do you think this happens to us? What is it about the darkness that makes us feel alone, unsafe or sad? Is it just a lack of Vitamin D, or something else entirely? I invite you to go out into nature--out into your environment--and meditate on how you feel as the season changes. I would also like to invite you to go someplace familiar, a place you go to on a regular basis, and then go somewhere you've never been before.
How does your mood shift as you do this? How does the familiar versus the unfamiliar place impact your mood, your view of yourself and your view of the world? After doing this exercise, and when you return back home, notice how returning home impacts your mood. What is it about being outside and being home that impacts how you feel? Is it a good feeling or a bad one? Do you feel a sense of relief or dread? Why do you think these changes happen?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What you'll need for this Meditation:
A journal and pen
A small glass jar with a lid
STEP ONE: Go to your chosen spot and find a place to sit comfortably.
STEP TWO: Close your eyes and allow your senses to take in everything around you. What do you hear, smell, taste and feel? STEP THREE: Use the journal to write down all the sensations you experience. How are they different from the last time you were at that place? What has changed?
STEP FOUR: Before you leave your spot, take a small natural item, like a pebble, fallen leaf, sand, etc... and place it in the jar. Say to yourself, "I am connected to this place. I am connected to the earth and sky. I am aware, I am conscious, I am awake." Each time you revisit this place, take a small item and add it to the jar to reflect on when you are feeling alone or sad.
Changing Seasons Cocktail:
Gulp-ivers Travels!
1/2 ounce Vodka
1/2 ounce Peach Schnapps
1/2 ounce Grapefruit Juice
1/2 Ounce Cranberry Juice
Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and pour into a small glass to enjoy while walking to your special place. This is a small drink, designed for those on-the-go! If you want to enjoy while you sit and journal about the changing seasons, double or triple ingredients!
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