Centering Yourself

Life can feel overwhelming, confusing, stressful, and downright downtrodden at times. It's hard to remember to slow down and enjoy small moments when we're always onto the next thing. Here's some tips for how to relax into your life again, amid the chaos.

Breathe
Drawing attention back to the often unconscious act of breathing can really bring us back into this moment. This is a very useful tool, as we are breathing all the time! We can always take a few seconds to notice the breath, and be calmed by the existence of this moment.

Be Grateful
I always forget how powerful this practice is. When we take the time to see the beauty, abundance, magnificence that already exists in our life, we are less likely to get stuck in our heads thinking about what-ifs.

Spend Time In Nature
Letting our soul relax into nature can be so refreshing. The wind, leaves, streams, fresh air bring us back to the present moment quickly and easily. It's easy to forget that we are natural beings who crave connection with the earth.

Create
This one always, always, always centers me. And I always think I need to be "in the mood" to do it. But the truth is in momentum: you must start to begin. Painting, writing in a journal, stacking rocks, braiding hair, baking, knitting, doodling, singing, beating some drums - all of these small activities allow us to immerse ourselves in the moment, and connect back to our free-spirited sides.

Connect with Your People
We can't lie to ourselves - we need other people. We need them to vent, share silly moments with, explore more about ourselves, and learn about other perspectives as well. Take some time with your people, and really be with them. See where the conversation leads. Be open to what you can learn from them.

Water is a Healer
If you, like me, are suffering without a bathtub, this one might be harder to work into reality. I've always felt that spending time in water makes me feel safe, cozy, relaxed. Soaking in some local springs could be an option or just take some extra time in the shower each morning. Maybe work some self-love mantras into this practice, as well!

Feed Your Mind
Often we expand our minds only when we're made to, such as in school or a new work environment. Why not take some time to learn about something new? Go to the local library and pick up some new material or spend some time with Wikipedia's Random button.

Listen to Your Favorite Music
I use music as a background to all activities all the time, but when I take the time to just listen to music and do nothing else, I appreciate it more than before.

Slow Down!
This can apply to all of the above ideas - take a second to breathe! Stop overthinking, stop going on to the next thing, stop living your life outside of the now. Appreciate this moment, right now, as it is, and come back to yourself.

Much love, 

Brooke

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