Amy Masterman's Blog
June 6, 2020
Bit O' HONEY - An Excerpt from Sacred Sensual Living: 40 Words for Praying with All Your Senses
Note: To see the full version of this post including photo collages from the book visit "https://sacredsensualliving.com/bit-o..."
HONEY is one of the 40 Words… enjoy this sweet taste of the book!
Sacred
Honey has been revered and consumed across continents for centuries. A spoonful of the thick amber fluid tastes like a bee-utiful tonic that coats your insides with pure love. Honey is the go-to for a cup of hot tea, and its unique flavor profile adds a special note to both sweet and savory dishes. Thanks to its medicinal properties, honey also treats various ailments and can be a nourishing beauty aid.
Fittingly a symbol of sweetness, honey is widely used by many religions and cultures in rituals, traditions, and ceremonies. At Rosh Hashanah, apple slices are dipped in honey to symbolize a sweet New Year ahead. In Hinduism, honey is one of the five elixirs of immortality; during Hindu baby rites, a drop of honey is placed into the child’s mouth, and the name of God is whispered in their ear.
Bees, the diligent honey-makers, carry rich social and mythological symbolism that often embodies the idea of eternal renewal. Some ancient cultures believed bees were sacred because they provided a link between the natural world and the spiritual realm. The honeybees’ communal hive culture can represent the positive aspects of working together in harmony to achieve common goals.
Bees collect flower nectar and bring it back to the hive, where it’s transformed into golden syrupy goodness that overflows its waxy combs. A honey’s flavor is determined by which flowers the bees have sourced—clover, buckwheat, and orange blossom are some of the most familiar.
Professional and backyard beekeepers produce artisanal honey varietals from plants native to their region. Some specialties include acacia, sourced from the black locust tree; sourwood, made from trees found only in the southern Appalachian region of the U.S.; and wildflower, a wildcard taste that varies depending on the medley of local flowers blooming in a particular season or region.
Sensual
Light a pure beeswax candle and inhale the sweet and seductive aroma. It may be more subtle than a highly fragranced version, but sometimes your overloaded senses need a gentle break. Soak in a tub with honey-infused bath soap and let the day’s busy buzz melt out of your body. When you’re feeling soft and supple, dry off and treat your moist skin to royal jelly body butter. Apply a thicker beeswax cream to tougher spots like elbows, heels, and cuticles. Don’t forget a beeswax lip balm.
When you’re feeling all loved up by the bees, continue the healthy pleasure by adding honey’s sweetness and earthy depth to your cuisine. Make a simple piece of toast and slather it with tupelo honey, maybe while listening to vintage Van Morrison. Experiment with the numerous flavors, colors, and consistencies of honey by trying sage honey in a grill marinade or adding some blueberry honey to your next batch of muffins. If you find some elusive sourwood honey, savor the deep and spicy flavor any way you choose.
Note: To get the most benefits, use honey that’s raw and unfiltered, preferably from a local apiary, which will contain vital enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Living
Like the bees, you live in a community. Maybe it’s time for you to share your talents and expressions with others. When you do what you love, you build up a sweet reservoir that naturally overflows into the world.
Although bees seem to fly around chaotically, they’re actually intensely focused on finding pollen. If you’re often buzzing through your day in a stressed-out frenzy trying to “get it all done,” you might miss the fragrant flower right in front of you. Stop and smell that rose (or tulip poplar, or patch of clover). It will nourish and sustain you so you can bring your best back to the hive. Savor what makes life sweet.
Something about raw nectar and pollen having just been pulled from the flowers’ heart elicits the promise of hope and bounty.
– Ted Dennard, Savannah Bee Company
Sacred Sensual You: Which Sensations Light You Up?
Honey can arouse all of your senses: it tastes sweet, smells heavenly, looks beautiful, and feels good in your mouth and on your skin; a hive of bees makes a meditative sound. All of this makes honey a good entry point for exploring which sensory experiences you enjoy.
To begin, find fifteen minutes (or longer) when you won’t be interrupted, and settle into a comfortable place. Bring your Sacred Sensual Journal so you can make notes afterward. Just like with meditation, if you start veering into negative or disruptive thoughts, merely imagine putting them aside, just for now.
Close your eyes and take a few slow breaths in and out. Then, let yourself daydream or pretend you’re in a movie. Conjure images of your favorite places, atmospheres, and experiences. What are you seeing, tasting, touching, smelling, and hearing? Which sensations feel especially good? Any you don’t like? Don’t dwell, just note.
Does the smell of impending rain soothe you or make you sad? Think about things you haven’t tried yet but which spark your curiosity. Is the sound of operatic voices pleasing or anxiety-inducing? Imagine your dream travel destinations. Are you on a sweaty, rum-fueled island vacation? Or at a tranquil, mountain resort with a five-star spa?
Once you’re in the flow, play around in your daily life. Consider your morning routine, your commute, your home, a restaurant, a run through your neighborhood, a spa, a bookstore. . . Which sensations delight you?
After you’ve emerged from the sensory daydreaming, open your Journal and make some lists, draw pictures, or roll out some poetic prose. There’s no right or wrong way to do this. Remember, you like what you like, so don’t judge whatever that is—a chacun son gout.
Now that you’re familiar with which sensations please you, you’ll be more likely to notice when they pop up in your life. Start paying attention with your senses (not just your mind) as you go through your days. Think of the world as your sensory playground—give your five senses free rein, and they’ll sync you up with your satisfied true self.
When you find scents, sounds, sights, tastes, and textures/touches you enjoy, take an extra minute to assess what’s going on. Maybe you’re watching raindrops fall on glistening red autumn leaves while sipping honey-laced ginger tea and listening to Lana del Rey or Billie Holiday. Immerse yourself in the moment and savor the sensations. Once you’re in the pleasure zone, ask yourself: What feels satisfying about this? Which senses are aroused? Jot some notes in your journal or take a short video. Be specific about what you’re experiencing.
The more aware you are of what you enjoy, the easier it is to avoid what you dislike and also maximize what feels nourishing and lovely. A scratchy sweater probably isn’t going to soothe your sadness, whereas a warm shower and a soft robe can be a road map showing your heart the route back to soul-peace.
Sacred Sensual Inspirations: Oh, Honey!
Create a sensory ritual by learning how to make beeswax candles. Find a class near you, visit an apiary, or watch a video online and pick up supplies. Note the delicious scent arising from the pot of melted wax; sink your fingertip into its warm texture. Let each dip of the wick be a prayer you’re saying with your senses.
HONEY is one of the 40 Words… enjoy this sweet taste of the book!
Sacred
Honey has been revered and consumed across continents for centuries. A spoonful of the thick amber fluid tastes like a bee-utiful tonic that coats your insides with pure love. Honey is the go-to for a cup of hot tea, and its unique flavor profile adds a special note to both sweet and savory dishes. Thanks to its medicinal properties, honey also treats various ailments and can be a nourishing beauty aid.
Fittingly a symbol of sweetness, honey is widely used by many religions and cultures in rituals, traditions, and ceremonies. At Rosh Hashanah, apple slices are dipped in honey to symbolize a sweet New Year ahead. In Hinduism, honey is one of the five elixirs of immortality; during Hindu baby rites, a drop of honey is placed into the child’s mouth, and the name of God is whispered in their ear.
Bees, the diligent honey-makers, carry rich social and mythological symbolism that often embodies the idea of eternal renewal. Some ancient cultures believed bees were sacred because they provided a link between the natural world and the spiritual realm. The honeybees’ communal hive culture can represent the positive aspects of working together in harmony to achieve common goals.
Bees collect flower nectar and bring it back to the hive, where it’s transformed into golden syrupy goodness that overflows its waxy combs. A honey’s flavor is determined by which flowers the bees have sourced—clover, buckwheat, and orange blossom are some of the most familiar.
Professional and backyard beekeepers produce artisanal honey varietals from plants native to their region. Some specialties include acacia, sourced from the black locust tree; sourwood, made from trees found only in the southern Appalachian region of the U.S.; and wildflower, a wildcard taste that varies depending on the medley of local flowers blooming in a particular season or region.
Sensual
Light a pure beeswax candle and inhale the sweet and seductive aroma. It may be more subtle than a highly fragranced version, but sometimes your overloaded senses need a gentle break. Soak in a tub with honey-infused bath soap and let the day’s busy buzz melt out of your body. When you’re feeling soft and supple, dry off and treat your moist skin to royal jelly body butter. Apply a thicker beeswax cream to tougher spots like elbows, heels, and cuticles. Don’t forget a beeswax lip balm.
When you’re feeling all loved up by the bees, continue the healthy pleasure by adding honey’s sweetness and earthy depth to your cuisine. Make a simple piece of toast and slather it with tupelo honey, maybe while listening to vintage Van Morrison. Experiment with the numerous flavors, colors, and consistencies of honey by trying sage honey in a grill marinade or adding some blueberry honey to your next batch of muffins. If you find some elusive sourwood honey, savor the deep and spicy flavor any way you choose.
Note: To get the most benefits, use honey that’s raw and unfiltered, preferably from a local apiary, which will contain vital enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Living
Like the bees, you live in a community. Maybe it’s time for you to share your talents and expressions with others. When you do what you love, you build up a sweet reservoir that naturally overflows into the world.
Although bees seem to fly around chaotically, they’re actually intensely focused on finding pollen. If you’re often buzzing through your day in a stressed-out frenzy trying to “get it all done,” you might miss the fragrant flower right in front of you. Stop and smell that rose (or tulip poplar, or patch of clover). It will nourish and sustain you so you can bring your best back to the hive. Savor what makes life sweet.
Something about raw nectar and pollen having just been pulled from the flowers’ heart elicits the promise of hope and bounty.
– Ted Dennard, Savannah Bee Company
Sacred Sensual You: Which Sensations Light You Up?
Honey can arouse all of your senses: it tastes sweet, smells heavenly, looks beautiful, and feels good in your mouth and on your skin; a hive of bees makes a meditative sound. All of this makes honey a good entry point for exploring which sensory experiences you enjoy.
To begin, find fifteen minutes (or longer) when you won’t be interrupted, and settle into a comfortable place. Bring your Sacred Sensual Journal so you can make notes afterward. Just like with meditation, if you start veering into negative or disruptive thoughts, merely imagine putting them aside, just for now.
Close your eyes and take a few slow breaths in and out. Then, let yourself daydream or pretend you’re in a movie. Conjure images of your favorite places, atmospheres, and experiences. What are you seeing, tasting, touching, smelling, and hearing? Which sensations feel especially good? Any you don’t like? Don’t dwell, just note.
Does the smell of impending rain soothe you or make you sad? Think about things you haven’t tried yet but which spark your curiosity. Is the sound of operatic voices pleasing or anxiety-inducing? Imagine your dream travel destinations. Are you on a sweaty, rum-fueled island vacation? Or at a tranquil, mountain resort with a five-star spa?
Once you’re in the flow, play around in your daily life. Consider your morning routine, your commute, your home, a restaurant, a run through your neighborhood, a spa, a bookstore. . . Which sensations delight you?
After you’ve emerged from the sensory daydreaming, open your Journal and make some lists, draw pictures, or roll out some poetic prose. There’s no right or wrong way to do this. Remember, you like what you like, so don’t judge whatever that is—a chacun son gout.
Now that you’re familiar with which sensations please you, you’ll be more likely to notice when they pop up in your life. Start paying attention with your senses (not just your mind) as you go through your days. Think of the world as your sensory playground—give your five senses free rein, and they’ll sync you up with your satisfied true self.
When you find scents, sounds, sights, tastes, and textures/touches you enjoy, take an extra minute to assess what’s going on. Maybe you’re watching raindrops fall on glistening red autumn leaves while sipping honey-laced ginger tea and listening to Lana del Rey or Billie Holiday. Immerse yourself in the moment and savor the sensations. Once you’re in the pleasure zone, ask yourself: What feels satisfying about this? Which senses are aroused? Jot some notes in your journal or take a short video. Be specific about what you’re experiencing.
The more aware you are of what you enjoy, the easier it is to avoid what you dislike and also maximize what feels nourishing and lovely. A scratchy sweater probably isn’t going to soothe your sadness, whereas a warm shower and a soft robe can be a road map showing your heart the route back to soul-peace.
Sacred Sensual Inspirations: Oh, Honey!
Create a sensory ritual by learning how to make beeswax candles. Find a class near you, visit an apiary, or watch a video online and pick up supplies. Note the delicious scent arising from the pot of melted wax; sink your fingertip into its warm texture. Let each dip of the wick be a prayer you’re saying with your senses.
Sample honey at a farmer’s market (or Google “honey tasting near me” for a local apiary).
Find a reliable source for DIY beauty products that feature honey.
Bit ‘o Honey – try these yummy ideas for adding honey to your intuitive cooking repertoire:
Whip up a lime-garlic-honey marinade and brush onto grilled shrimp skewers
Mix orange blossom honey into goat cheese; slather on toast and top with orange zest
Add a small bowl of buckwheat honey to your Five Senses Cheese Board (see RIPE)
Put a spoonful of manuka honey in your green smoothie (or try bee pollen)
Shake up a vanilla-honey vinaigrette (good with shellfish)
Buy or make honey spiced vodka, a Polish liqueur that dates back 400 years
Slice fresh figs halfway through and stuff with goat cheese. Broil for four minutes, then drizzle with warm honey and share with your friends.
June 5, 2020
10 Ways to Use Your Senses to Feel Calm, Confident and Cozy During Covid-19
Note: to see the full version of this post including photo collages from the book visit "https:/sacredsensualliving.com/10-ways-to-us..."
Taking a stand for joy and pleasure may seem indulgent or frivolous, but how you feel holds the key to accessing your true self. When you feel good, you have the time and energy to pursue your passions, give generously, and nourish your body, mind, and heart. ― from Sacred Sensual Living: 40 Words for Praying with All Your Senses
Most of us have never experienced anything like Covid19 before. It’s no wonder our emotions are all over the place, at best. We’re tumbling between appreciation, fear and sadness, or maybe having them all at once, with a sidecar of anxiety. There’s probably some secret joy in there too, thanks to a break from regular routines. It’s all okay.
Our basic human nature is to feel good, but with so much uncertainty and pain, it might seem self-absorbed or even uncaring to do things that feel pleasurable. The opposite is true: if you’re able, doing things that bring you joy will help you stay in your natural flow of well-being.
That isn’t selfish; it’s smart. Instead of feeling anxious and depleted during this unparalleled period, you’ll feel nourished and centered in your true self. You’ll also feel stable enough in your foundation to lend emotional support to those who need it.
Feeling calm and in control keeps your immune system strong. Having a positive attitude keeps your heart and mind uplifted, and that energy benefits everyone.
Here are ten ways you can use your senses to stimulate positive emotions and enhance your overall wellness. The key is to immerse yourself in the sensations fully. Relish the moment.
Aim to have one new sensory experience every day. Even if all you can do is “another” walk, try to put your unique sensory spin on it. When you eventually emerge into the next phase, whatever that may be, you’ll feel the truth of who you are, naturally revitalized and radiating love to all.
1. Enjoy a Lung-Love Shower
When you take a shower, put a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil on your palms and place your fingers on your forehead and your thumbs on your chin. Your palms should be about two inches in front of your nose. Inhale deeply at least five times, or as many as feels good. Notice how this smells and how it feels emotionally. Generally, eucalyptus is a refreshing scent, but check in with your body and heart.
Eucalyptus is also said to support good lung health and promote deeper breathing. We can all use more deep breaths right now.
eucalyptus essential oil
2. Take Care of Your Basic Kneads
Baking bread is trending. There are various theories about why, most revolving around comfort and distraction from news and social media. I think it’s also because doing something that involves your senses feels pleasing, which is an easy way to feel centered with the love and wisdom of your true self.
Next time you make a loaf, take note of everything your senses are experiencing. How do the ingredients look? What does it feel like to knead the dough? How does the unbaked dough smell compare to the warm, crusty baked version? Of course, you’ll be eating some, so aim to savor the flavors and textures.
3. Make Your House into a Scent Emporium
Freshen up your rooms by pulling out your essential oils and making a room spray. If you’re feeling ambitious, make a different scent profile for each room you spend time in. Here are some suggestions for oils to use in various spaces:
Kitchen – orange, lemon verbena, grapefruit, eucalyptus
Living room – patchouli, vetiver, holy basil
Work area – clary sage, bergamot, peppermint
Art studio – geranium, tangerine
Meditation/yoga area – frankincense, sandalwood, grapefruit
Bedroom – lavender, rose, cedarwood
Bathroom – lavender, tea tree, lemon
4. Have a Spice Party
Pull out the spices that always lurk at the back of your cabinet. Give them some love by making up a few blends you can use to perk up brown rice or bedazzle your kale. Use your nose to determine what goes with what. If you’re missing one or two (no mace on hand?), don’t sweat it, just omit and it’ll still taste good. Here are some ideas to get you started…
Garam Masala – cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, mace, peppercorns, coriander, turmeric, cumin
Herbs de Provence – marjoram, thyme, rosemary, oregano, sage, tarragon
Cajun – cayenne, oregano, paprika, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, garlic & onion powder, salt & pepper
Thai – basil, cumin, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, curry
Caribbean – allspice, nutmeg, garlic, cloves, ginger, cinnamon
5. Make Like Monet
Find some art supplies and make an interpretation of what you see out your window (or your view if the weather’s nice and you can sit outside). Use markers or paint or even make-up (since you’re probably not using it much while sitting at home). You could even try finger painting with those back-of-the-cabinet spices. If you really don’t have supplies on hand, make a collage with magazine pics, ribbon, fancy paper scraps, fabric.
Don’t fret about artistic ability, just play. Make it realistic, abstract, symbolic or a hybrid. You don’t have to hang it on your fridge afterward, but you certainly can.
paint palette
6. Dip into a Tea Bath
If you love the idea of taking a bath but never find the time, now’s your chance. The warm water will relax your muscles (and mind), and the soothing ambiance will comfort your heart.
Customize your soak with an item you probably have in your kitchen—tea. You can use almost any type, but I highly recommend making sure it’s caffeine free. Try chamomile, rose, green…whatever you have on hand.
Put the bags (or loose tea in an infuser) directly in the stream of the warm water as you fill the tub and then let it steep and you sink in. You can even add powdered milk and honey to soften your skin.
loose tea
7. Be a Captivated Audience
Check out some of the living room concerts on Instagram live, YouTube or Facebook live. Give these generous artists your full attention (and maybe some tips). After all, how often do you have Hozier sitting right across from you?
Singing and dancing are good stress-reducers, so channel your inner Beyonce and let it all go. Hozier doesn’t judge.
8. Feel the Love
Do a self-massage with lovely smelling oils or lotion. If you have some essential oils, add a few drops of your favorites to almond, sesame or melted coconut oil, or even your regular lotion. As you gently rub, give thanks for your health and well-being.
If you’re too tired to do a whole-body massage, focus solely (sorry) on your feet. Inhale the scent and appreciate how hard they work for you.
9. Go On a Sensory Walk
Taking a walk through your neighborhood may be nothing novel at this point so try it a different way by leading with your senses. Notice the sights, sounds, textures and smells along your route.
If trees are blooming, take a minute to smell their flowers—magnolia, cherry, apple? If trees have already peaked, sniff bulbs (hyacinth) and bushes (honeysuckle). Come up with some simple adjectives, like “honey, creamy, sweet.” Notice how they’re different from and similar to each other.
What do you hear? Birds, breezes, laughter? Touch (safely) some textures like bark or tile. Be conscious about what you’re seeing. Make a point to notice things you’ve never seen before and look for pleasing compositions, whether natural or constructed.
garden
10. Listen to Sounds of Silence
Close your eyes and just listen… Less traffic means you can hear sounds you might not notice. Maybe it’s birds. How many different songs can you pick up? When it rains, focus on only the sounds of drops. When it’s windy, turn your mind off and just listen. That’s all, just listen.
If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can smile, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace. —Thich Nhat Hanh
To see the full version including photo collages from the book visit "https:/sacredsensualliving.com/10-ways-to-us..."
Taking a stand for joy and pleasure may seem indulgent or frivolous, but how you feel holds the key to accessing your true self. When you feel good, you have the time and energy to pursue your passions, give generously, and nourish your body, mind, and heart. ― from Sacred Sensual Living: 40 Words for Praying with All Your Senses
Most of us have never experienced anything like Covid19 before. It’s no wonder our emotions are all over the place, at best. We’re tumbling between appreciation, fear and sadness, or maybe having them all at once, with a sidecar of anxiety. There’s probably some secret joy in there too, thanks to a break from regular routines. It’s all okay.
Our basic human nature is to feel good, but with so much uncertainty and pain, it might seem self-absorbed or even uncaring to do things that feel pleasurable. The opposite is true: if you’re able, doing things that bring you joy will help you stay in your natural flow of well-being.
That isn’t selfish; it’s smart. Instead of feeling anxious and depleted during this unparalleled period, you’ll feel nourished and centered in your true self. You’ll also feel stable enough in your foundation to lend emotional support to those who need it.
Feeling calm and in control keeps your immune system strong. Having a positive attitude keeps your heart and mind uplifted, and that energy benefits everyone.
Here are ten ways you can use your senses to stimulate positive emotions and enhance your overall wellness. The key is to immerse yourself in the sensations fully. Relish the moment.
Aim to have one new sensory experience every day. Even if all you can do is “another” walk, try to put your unique sensory spin on it. When you eventually emerge into the next phase, whatever that may be, you’ll feel the truth of who you are, naturally revitalized and radiating love to all.
1. Enjoy a Lung-Love Shower
When you take a shower, put a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil on your palms and place your fingers on your forehead and your thumbs on your chin. Your palms should be about two inches in front of your nose. Inhale deeply at least five times, or as many as feels good. Notice how this smells and how it feels emotionally. Generally, eucalyptus is a refreshing scent, but check in with your body and heart.
Eucalyptus is also said to support good lung health and promote deeper breathing. We can all use more deep breaths right now.
eucalyptus essential oil
2. Take Care of Your Basic Kneads
Baking bread is trending. There are various theories about why, most revolving around comfort and distraction from news and social media. I think it’s also because doing something that involves your senses feels pleasing, which is an easy way to feel centered with the love and wisdom of your true self.
Next time you make a loaf, take note of everything your senses are experiencing. How do the ingredients look? What does it feel like to knead the dough? How does the unbaked dough smell compare to the warm, crusty baked version? Of course, you’ll be eating some, so aim to savor the flavors and textures.
3. Make Your House into a Scent Emporium
Freshen up your rooms by pulling out your essential oils and making a room spray. If you’re feeling ambitious, make a different scent profile for each room you spend time in. Here are some suggestions for oils to use in various spaces:
Kitchen – orange, lemon verbena, grapefruit, eucalyptus
Living room – patchouli, vetiver, holy basil
Work area – clary sage, bergamot, peppermint
Art studio – geranium, tangerine
Meditation/yoga area – frankincense, sandalwood, grapefruit
Bedroom – lavender, rose, cedarwood
Bathroom – lavender, tea tree, lemon
4. Have a Spice Party
Pull out the spices that always lurk at the back of your cabinet. Give them some love by making up a few blends you can use to perk up brown rice or bedazzle your kale. Use your nose to determine what goes with what. If you’re missing one or two (no mace on hand?), don’t sweat it, just omit and it’ll still taste good. Here are some ideas to get you started…
Garam Masala – cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, mace, peppercorns, coriander, turmeric, cumin
Herbs de Provence – marjoram, thyme, rosemary, oregano, sage, tarragon
Cajun – cayenne, oregano, paprika, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, garlic & onion powder, salt & pepper
Thai – basil, cumin, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, curry
Caribbean – allspice, nutmeg, garlic, cloves, ginger, cinnamon
5. Make Like Monet
Find some art supplies and make an interpretation of what you see out your window (or your view if the weather’s nice and you can sit outside). Use markers or paint or even make-up (since you’re probably not using it much while sitting at home). You could even try finger painting with those back-of-the-cabinet spices. If you really don’t have supplies on hand, make a collage with magazine pics, ribbon, fancy paper scraps, fabric.
Don’t fret about artistic ability, just play. Make it realistic, abstract, symbolic or a hybrid. You don’t have to hang it on your fridge afterward, but you certainly can.
paint palette
6. Dip into a Tea Bath
If you love the idea of taking a bath but never find the time, now’s your chance. The warm water will relax your muscles (and mind), and the soothing ambiance will comfort your heart.
Customize your soak with an item you probably have in your kitchen—tea. You can use almost any type, but I highly recommend making sure it’s caffeine free. Try chamomile, rose, green…whatever you have on hand.
Put the bags (or loose tea in an infuser) directly in the stream of the warm water as you fill the tub and then let it steep and you sink in. You can even add powdered milk and honey to soften your skin.
loose tea
7. Be a Captivated Audience
Check out some of the living room concerts on Instagram live, YouTube or Facebook live. Give these generous artists your full attention (and maybe some tips). After all, how often do you have Hozier sitting right across from you?
Singing and dancing are good stress-reducers, so channel your inner Beyonce and let it all go. Hozier doesn’t judge.
8. Feel the Love
Do a self-massage with lovely smelling oils or lotion. If you have some essential oils, add a few drops of your favorites to almond, sesame or melted coconut oil, or even your regular lotion. As you gently rub, give thanks for your health and well-being.
If you’re too tired to do a whole-body massage, focus solely (sorry) on your feet. Inhale the scent and appreciate how hard they work for you.
9. Go On a Sensory Walk
Taking a walk through your neighborhood may be nothing novel at this point so try it a different way by leading with your senses. Notice the sights, sounds, textures and smells along your route.
If trees are blooming, take a minute to smell their flowers—magnolia, cherry, apple? If trees have already peaked, sniff bulbs (hyacinth) and bushes (honeysuckle). Come up with some simple adjectives, like “honey, creamy, sweet.” Notice how they’re different from and similar to each other.
What do you hear? Birds, breezes, laughter? Touch (safely) some textures like bark or tile. Be conscious about what you’re seeing. Make a point to notice things you’ve never seen before and look for pleasing compositions, whether natural or constructed.
garden
10. Listen to Sounds of Silence
Close your eyes and just listen… Less traffic means you can hear sounds you might not notice. Maybe it’s birds. How many different songs can you pick up? When it rains, focus on only the sounds of drops. When it’s windy, turn your mind off and just listen. That’s all, just listen.
If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can smile, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace. —Thich Nhat Hanh
To see the full version including photo collages from the book visit "https:/sacredsensualliving.com/10-ways-to-us..."
