5 Simple Strategies for Soothing your Soul

For those who feel anxious, despondent, and upset today, here are some practical strategies that I use to ease my soul when feeling distress:

1. Seek solace in Mother Nature. This is my most powerful method for easing the worries and burdens I may be feeling at the time. Pay close attention to the sun dappling in the trees, breathe deep the earthy scent of the forest, touch a tree trunk and notice its ridged and gnarled bark, and look high to the treetops and notice its grandeur. Walk gently in the forest and let it soothe your soul as you listen for the birds call, the squirrels and chipmunks forage, and the breeze dance through the limbs. Close your eyes and let the sounds of Mother Nature heal you. Get lost in the moment. If you do not have access to a forest as many live in urban areas, find a park and connect with nature there. If a park is not an option, touch your houseplant. Notice the shape of its leaves. Are they large, small, heart-shaped, variegated? Are their edges smooth or ridged? If this is not an option either, listen to sounds of your phone, computer, IPAD, or whatever device you may have.

   
   

2. Deep breathing is my other GO TO. I try to do deep breathing everyday, and I find its effects remarkable. A simple tried and true technique I use is box breathing. This is what I do although you can certainly adapt your method. Begin by closing your eyes. Breathe in THROUGH YOUR NOSE to a count of five. HOLD the air in your lungs to a count of five. Slowly exhale THROUGH YOUR NOSE to a count of five. Do this set of breathing exercises five times whenever you feel stressed. You will notice that your counting will increase beyond five over time.

   
   

3. Meditate. There are many ways to do this, but if you are new to meditation and worry that you cannot slow your mind long enough to meditate, or you don't know what to do, listen to a guided meditation instead. There are many available on the internet. Start with just 10 minutes a day, and you will eventually be able to increase your time as your body, mind, and spirit settle into this daily practice. I started meditating at age 20 or 21, and although I wasn't always consistent throughout the years, I returned to it full time several years ago, and it has made all the difference in my life.

4. Seek refuge in music. Music is a wonderful way to soothe you in times of distress. Find music that makes you happy. There are many genres that can uplift and take you to happy places. In my next post, I will share some music that brings me joy.

5. Exercise! It's amazing how physical exercise, especially outdoors, can change your perspective, relieve tension and stress, and enhance your overall well-being. Even a brisk walk is beneficial.

   
   

   I want to assure you that you are not alone. There is a whole community of beings who surround and love you. Speak to them and ask for their assistance. Now is the time to go inward, ground yourself, and find your centre. You are far more powerful and in control than you know.

   
   

   Blessings.