30.
01.
2010
Many people don’t like to meditate because they find it boring or difficult to just sit quietly. While sitting cross-legged on the floor silently is a highly effective way to meditate, there are other ways you can try that may be more tolerable for you. The general idea of meditation is that you quiet your mind, but that doesn’t mean that you need to be physically still. Try some of the following methods and see which ones work best for you. As with any meditation, try and keep your mind free from the clutter of thoughts. No biggie if a thought or two slip in, just notice that it has happened and bring your attention back onto the meditation.
1. Go for a nice long walk and observe everything around you. Try to look at things and notice things you have never seen or noticed before.
2. Take a bath.
3. Watch the snow or rain fall outside… or better yet, go play in it and experience how it feels on your hands and face. Stick your bare feet into the wet rainy grass and really get a feeling for it or jump into a puddle (not into the snow with your bare feet, duh!).
4. Take a yoga class.
5. Sit in your garden and focus on a flower. Look at how perfect it is without anyone telling it how to grow or what to be.
6. Sit or lay down with your eyes closed and listen to the rain, wind or crickets outside.
7. Watch a burning log or candle flame.
8. Go to the beach! Instead of sunbathing though (not healthy), it is much better to just park yourself under a giant palapa and cover up with sunscreen. Warmth, sand and the sound of the ocean waves… ahhh!
9. Painting, sculpting, gardening, jogging, swimming, biking, playing an instrument… etc, etc, etc. You get the idea. Just do pretty much anything you enjoy with a quiet mind and you are meditating.
10. Watch a sunset, look at a waterfall, sit by a stream, walk through the forest or along the shoreline and listen to and observe nature.
Melissa Marcy
Virtuality Studio Reiki and Meditation
Disclaimer: this article is intended for inspirational purposes only and the techniques and ideas described herein are not to be used as a substitute for professional medical or psychological treatment or without prior consultation with, approval of, and under the supervision of your physician or therapist. Application of the information, techniques and ideas in this article is at the sole risk and discretion of the reader.
28.
01.
2010
Meditate. This is one of the simplest ways of relaxation you have at your disposal… and it can be done almost anywhere. The easiest way to meditate is just to focus on an object and keep your attention on it. You could also focus on noticing the sounds in the environment around you or focus on your breath. The point of meditation is to take your attention off of your thoughts and focus instead on the present moment, your own body and the things going on around you.Exercise. It doesn’t matter what kind of exercise you do, just pick something that is enjoyable for you and fits into your lifestyle. Exercise is a great way to not only relax, but improve your health and mood as well.Play with your children or pets. This will not just relax you, but show your children and pets that you love and appreciate them as well.Have a girls or guys night out with your friends. It is very easy to get absorbed in the never ending cycle of work and responsibilities, but from time to time you need to get out and enjoy life as well. Setting aside a night from time to time where you can get out of the daily grind and enjoy yourself is EXTREMELY important and can help you to remember what really matters in life.
Spend quality time with your family. Take time out to do fun things with your loved ones. Plan a vacation, go pick apples in the fall, go sledding, go to the beach together, plan a picnic or a barbeque, watch fireworks… you get the idea.
Do something creative. Whether you write a song, paint, take photos, knit, scrapbook, dance, garden, write or even just decorate a room in your house, expressing yourself creatively is a great way to relax.
Reiki. This Japanese relaxation technique is a great way to relax and refresh yourself. It can be done either in person with your practitioner or for those of you with very busy schedules it can be done via distance as well. To try Reiki for free, visit Virtuality Studio Reiki and Meditation.
Take a bath. There is nothing like a little quiet time to yourself to help you relax at the end of a long day.
Spend some time in nature. Whether you just hang out in your backyard, head out to the beach or for a hike through the forest, being outside in nature is a great way to relax, unwind and ground yourself.
Take a nap. Sometimes lack of sleep can make us even more irritable and stressed than we would have otherwise been. If you can, try taking a nap or at the very least, get to bed early to catch up on your sleep.
Melissa Marcy
Virtuality Studio Reiki and Meditation
Disclaimer: this article is intended for inspirational purposes only and the techniques and ideas described herein are not to be used as a substitute for professional medical or psychological treatment or without prior consultation with, approval of, and under the supervision of your physician or therapist. Application of the information, techniques and ideas in this article is at the sole risk and discretion of the reader.
27.
01.
2010
Get more sleep! Getting enough rest will help you in many areas of your life. You will not only LOOK better, but you will be more energetic, productive, happy and healthy. You may think that you don’t have time to allow yourself a full night‘s rest, when in actuality you can accomplish more (and do a better job at whatever you are doing) when you have had the recommended amount of sleep.Meditate! Meditation is a great way of looking within and getting in touch with your emotions. Many of us are so wrapped up in what we are doing that we don’t actually realize exactly what it is that we are feeling. Worry, sorrow, anger and frustration find their ways right onto to your face where they sit to be displayed for all to see. You may not think that other people notice how you feel, but they do. This is the biggest difference between a “youthful” appearance and an “older” one. A “youthful” appearance is relaxed, happy and care-free while the “older“ one appears weighed down by something. Our society puts an enormous focus on youth, but I don’t think it is so much the physical youth people find beautiful as much as it is the happiness and care-free existence that it represents. Meditate every day to help yourself work through your feelings instead of wearing them.Exercise! Fit some exercise into your routine every day and you will improve both the way you look and the amount of energy you have. Exercise is also a great way to release anger or frustration at the end of a long hard day.
Laugh and smile more! One of the benefits that comes with age is the experience and confidence that grows with you as you progress through life, but many people counter that by becoming more serious, stern and even unapproachable over time. While “serious” has its place in certain situations, you need to learn how to turn it off when it isn’t necessary. Learn how to play again. Do things that are fun, spend time with people you can be yourself with and laugh as much as you possibly can.
Drink water! Water will not only keep you healthier and help you lose weight, but it will make your skin look more youthful as well!
Melissa Marcy
Virtuality Studio Reiki and Meditation
Disclaimer: this article is intended for inspirational purposes only and the techniques and ideas described herein are not to be used as a substitute for professional medical or psychological treatment or without prior consultation with, approval of, and under the supervision of your physician or therapist. Application of the information, techniques and ideas in this article is at the sole risk and discretion of the reader.
24.
01.
2010
As we grow older, many of us forget how to really let go and have fun. We get too absorbed in the things we “have to do” and forget how to enjoy life and the people around us. The more responsibilities we have and the busier we get, the more important it is for us to remember to lighten up and bring joy into our lives. Here are some things for you to try and feel free to comment and add your own to this list.Sing out loud. Sing in the shower, sing in your car, sing where OTHER PEOPLE CAN HEAR YOU. Dance… even if you have two left feet. Dance in your living room and don’t worry about perfection. Little kids don’t think about what they look like when they dance, they just move with the music. Walk around barefoot wherever possible or wear flip flops if you can. Dress for comfort. Find the biggest puddle you can and jump in it. Catch snowflakes on your tongue. Play in the ocean with your kids instead of just watching them from the beach. Take a nap in the middle of the day. Sleep in a tent or hammock for the night. Watch cartoons. Dress up for Halloween, St. Patty’s day and the 4th of July. Try out foods you’ve never eaten before. Travel. Make a snow angel. Tell jokes… even if they’re bad. Play an instrument, even if you don’t know how. Play with your dog. Throw a snowball. Make a sand castle. Paint a picture. Watch The Three Stooges. Make a snow fort with your kids. Play in the mud. Dance in the rain. Go sledding. Have a bonfire and toast marshmallows. Make shadow puppets. Have a party. Hop and skip. Talk only in pig latin for a day. Smile. Give out hugs, and most of all remember to let the people in your life know how much they mean to you.
Melissa Marcy
Virtuality Studio Reiki and Meditation
Disclaimer: this article is intended for inspirational purposes only and the techniques and ideas described herein are not to be used as a substitute for professional medical or psychological treatment or without prior consultation with, approval of, and under the supervision of your physician or therapist. Application of the information, techniques and ideas in this article is at the sole risk and discretion of the reader.
23.
01.
2010
This is one of the simplest, yet most effective ways to meditate. Find a comfortable place to relax and either sit or lay down. Take in a few deep breaths and as you exhale, release any stress or negativity you might have. Let it all go. Relax each part of your body, starting with the top of your head and proceeding down to your toes. Relax the top of your head, your eyes, your cheeks, jaw, ears and neck. Relax your shoulders and upper arms. Relax your lower arms and hands. Relax your torso. Feel your legs relax and finally your ankles and feet. Once you are relaxed, take your attention and focus it on your breathing. Feel yourself breathe in and breathe out. If any thoughts arise, just notice them and then release them with the breath as you exhale. That’s it! Simple, easy and very enjoyable!
Melissa Marcy
Virtuality Studio Reiki and Meditation
Disclaimer: this article is intended for inspirational purposes only and the techniques and ideas described herein are not to be used as a substitute for professional medical or psychological treatment or without prior consultation with, approval of, and under the supervision of your physician or therapist. Application of the information, techniques and ideas in this article is at the sole risk and discretion of the reader.
22.
01.
2010
A hug from your parents.Puppy paws.Tea with lemon.The perfect day at the beach.
Freshly cut grass.
The smell of spring flowers.
Friends.
Cold water on a hot day.
The sound of a rainstorm.
Movie nights.
Walks through the forest.
Music.
Doggie kisses, hugs and smiles.
Road trips.
Early summer days when you can open all the windows.
Crickets.
Dreams.
Snow covered pine trees.
The feeling of cool grass beneath your feet.
Outdoor café’s.
Fresh fruit.
Family.
Hot soup on a cold night.
Kitten purrs.
Hot coffee.
Snowmen.
The holidays.
Warm bed on a cold night.
Girls (or boys) nights out.
The sound of the wind through the trees.
Cake frosting.
Summer nights.
Palapas.
Dancing.
Fruit smoothies.
Palm trees.
Hot shower on a cold day.
Snowflakes.
Bare feet.
Reiki.
Pancakes with maple syrup.
Sleeping until noon.
Art.
Big fuzzy sweatshirts.
Fountains.
Sunny days.
Quaint shops.
Surfers.
Christmas trees on top of cars.
Violins.
Sand.
Meditation.
Photography.
The color of leaves in the fall.
Hot apple cider.
Goldfish (the fish, not the cracker).
Summer sun.
Starry skies.
Swimming pools.
Pranks.
Pumpkin pie.
Apple picking.
Parties.
Fields of tall grass.
Horses.
Water tubing.
The Nutcracker.
Guacamole.
New places.
Candles.
Perfume.
Halloween pumpkins.
Ocean Waves.
Yoga.
Long walks with my dog.
The way leaves swirl in the wind.
My Mom and Dad.
Freedom.
Pristine wilderness.
Babies.
Egg Nog.
Ski towns in winter.
Shadow puppets.
Laughter.
Fireworks.
Chocolate.
Muddy paws.
Santa Claus.
Picnics.
Mountain Bikes.
Hugs.
Butterflies.
The sound of birds chirping.
Stormy days.
A roaring fireplace.
Smiles.
Helping others.
Having fun.
Joy.
Kindness.
And the most important of all – love.
Making a list like this one is a great way to cheer yourself up if you are feeling down. Feel free to comment and add your own to this list.
Melissa Marcy
Virtuality Studio Reiki and Meditation
Disclaimer: this article is intended for inspirational purposes only and the techniques and ideas described herein are not to be used as a substitute for professional medical or psychological treatment or without prior consultation with, approval of, and under the supervision of your physician or therapist. Application of the information, techniques and ideas in this article is at the sole risk and discretion of the reader.
21.
01.
2010
As a thank you to our blog readers and website visitors, we have Reiki charged a photo of this beach on our website for you to enjoy for free. Come and take a Reiki vacation with us today and enjoy the Reiki energy for as long as you like.
Visit the home of the Reiki Vacation here: Reikation
20.
01.
2010
1. Spend more quality time with the people you love.
2. Take time each day to exercise… even if it is just a long walk with the dog. Enjoy your time and use it to relax and regroup. Exercise does not have to hurt, nor does it need to be difficult.
3. Eat healthy, nutritious foods.
4. Meditate… preferably daily. You don’t have to be rigid about this… the long walk with your dog can serve as both exercise and meditation if you can quiet your mind.
5. Do things every day that make you laugh.
6. PLAY! Play with your kids, play with your pets and play with your friends and family. The act of playing helps to keep us flexible, creative, and happy. Playing with others improves the bond between you, creates memories that will last a lifetime, and improves your relationships. When you take time out to play with someone you are giving them the attention they deserve and showing them that you love them and care about them
7. Spend more time in nature.
8. Find time every day to do something that you love. If it is hard to find time it just means that it is that much more important for you to make the time. Never forget about yourself and your own happiness.
9. Sit down and figure out where you are right now, where you are headed, and where you actually want to go. Sometimes we aren’t headed in the right direction and without thinking about it we can get blown pretty far off course. Sit down and think about what you actually want, what you enjoy and where you want to go. Write it all out and make a plan of action. Do this at least once a month.
10. Take time each day to sit back, regroup and think about what you need to do that day to make your dreams come true. Mornings would be a great time for this as you are relaxed, refreshed and have the whole day ahead of you to get out there and do it.
Melissa Marcy
Virtuality Studio Reiki and Meditation
Disclaimer: this article is intended for inspirational purposes only and the techniques and ideas described herein are not to be used as a substitute for professional medical or psychological treatment or without prior consultation with, approval of, and under the supervision of your physician or therapist. Application of the information, techniques and ideas in this article is at the sole risk and discretion of the reader.
19.
01.
2010
1. FORGIVE
Forgiveness is not a gift you give to others, it is a gift you give to yourself. Work on letting go of past hurts so that you can live a happier and more fulfilling life. Harboring animosity toward someone else does not help you get even with the other person, it only harms you. It wastes your time and energy that you could devote to something more beneficial in your life. I know it doesn’t seem right for the person who was hurt to have to do the additional work of forgiving and letting go, but would you rather be self righteous or would you rather be happy? The choice is up to you. Always remember to forgive yourself too.
2. ACCEPT YOURSELF
Learn to accept and love yourself just as you are. Accept yourself with all of your good qualities and your faults. Your worth isn’t determined by how many times you have succeeded or failed or by how much money you have. Nor is it determined by who you know, what you do or what you look like. Your value to the world is determined by what is in your heart. Remember that you are perfect just the way you are. There is nothing else you need to do or be in order to be worthy of love.
3. HELP OTHERS
If you want the shortcut to happiness, here it is! You can help anyone you wish, just pick something to do that gives you joy and comes from your heart. Whether you choose to help children in hospitals, homeless animals, the elderly, the poor, the sick, or wildlife doesn’t matter – whatever is closest to your heart is fine. Even if you aren’t ready yet to commit to a major cause, just give out kindness wherever you see it is needed. Giving out smiles and compliments is not only a great way to start, but a wonderful habit to get into. Kindness costs nothing and can bring you a great deal of joy. If you see someone who seems a bit down, just give them a big smile. That can make more of a difference in a person’s day than you can imagine. Remember that your actions and your words should always come from your heart.
4. STOP WORRYING
Worry takes you away from the present moment and strips you of your energy. I can’t tell you how many years of my life I lost being caught up in worry. I remember being so absorbed in possibilities of future events that I could not even feel anything in the present moment. I lived for the weekends, but could not enjoy them once I got there and seemingly wonderful events were always tainted by that ever present feeling of dread. I couldn’t even relax on vacation. Did all that worrying achieve anything? Nope! Did any of the things I worried about ever come to pass? Only in my mind… I lived them over and over again and experienced that torture on a constant basis. Don’t do that to yourself. Worrying about something will NEVER do anything to solve any problem. Worrying just forces you to repeatedly experience horrible things that may or may not even occur. Let it go! Even if the event does come to pass, it is better to only experience it once than several times… and usually the imagined events are far worse than anything reality would ever throw your way. Make a conscious choice to make every moment of your life count. Live in the present, enjoy the people around you and give 100% of yourself to the people you love when you are with them.
5. BE PRESENT
At times this can be easier said than done, but the general gist of it is this: when you are watching a movie… you are watching a movie. When you are going for a walk, you are enjoying the experience. When you are playing with your children, you are there 100% with them. When you are in a conversation, you are there with the person you are speaking to and not off somewhere else. When you visit a new place, you really drink it all in and experience it.Enjoy each experience fully and experience everything fully without thinking about what needs to get done or what the future holds.6. FOCUS ON THE POSITIVEStop paying attention to depressing things and focus instead on happiness. I stopped watching the news a long time ago and usually will just pop in a funny movie so I can control the content of what I am seeing. My internet homepage is customized with what I want to see and nothing more (this is where I get my weather updates for those of you who are wondering). It isn’t that I am avoiding reality, I just know that there is no use in seeing things that stress me out or make me sad. That doesn’t do anything to improve the situation and it just strips me of energy I could put to better use.7. MEDITATE
Meditation helps you to slow down and look within. Take a few minutes each day and focus on your breath. Feel yourself breathing in and out. If thoughts come into your mind just release them with your breath as you breathe out. This is a great tool for learning to be present and a great way to discover the things that are bothering you so you can release them. As things come up, just let them go as you breathe out. As you think of things you need to do just let those go as well. Meditation is your “me” time… that little space during the day that is just for you.
8. EXERCISE
You don’t have to be a marathon runner to benefit from exercise… I certainly am not. What I am saying here is for you to just not be a lump on the couch. Get up and go take your dog for a nice walk. Play with your children. Do some yoga. Even clean the house. It doesn’t have to be much, just get moving!
I will pair this one with eat healthy food… obviously!
9. LAUGH
Laughter is important – it relaxes you and triggers reactions in the body that are beneficial to your health and happiness! Do things every day to make yourself laugh. Watch funny movies. Watch your kids or pets play… or better yet, play with them. Read funny books. Talk to funny people. Do things to make others laugh and laugh along with them. Laugh at yourself. Laugh, laugh, laugh!
10. LOVE
Love is the essence of who we are and why we are here. Love is the source of life… and the farther you are from it, the less energy and drive you will have to make positive things happen. Love more and you can become more. Love freely, deeply and fully. Love everyone around you including yourself. Remember that the more you give, the more you will receive in return. Live your life from love and happiness will follow you wherever you go.
Melissa Marcy
Virtuality Studio Reiki and Meditation
Disclaimer: this article is intended for inspirational purposes only and the techniques and ideas described herein are not to be used as a substitute for professional medical or psychological treatment or without prior consultation with, approval of, and under the supervision of your physician or therapist. Application of the information, techniques and ideas in this article is at the sole risk and discretion of the reader.
14.
01.
2010
Change is inevitable, and although it often tugs at our hearts it is beautiful as well. We often take comfort in things being permanent, looking for things that are forever the same. We look to the mountains, the sky and the sea to show us something familiar in an ever changing world, but everything changes, including you. Your body is born, grows and then ages just as a snowflake falls on top of a frozen pond, melts and travels to the sea. There is nothing in your body now that wasn’t once in something else. There is also nothing in your body now that won’t eventually be in something else. We live in an ever changing world, a beautiful dance of life and love. The age lines on your face are just as beautiful in the eyes of those who love you as the round soft cheeks of an infant. Both are special in their own right, both were made to be cherished and both are perfect. Embrace your form at every stage, love it and appreciate it for allowing you to take this journey and experience all the world has to offer.
Melissa Marcy
Virtuality Studio Reiki and Meditation
Disclaimer: this article is intended for inspirational purposes only and the techniques and ideas described herein are not to be used as a substitute for professional medical or psychological treatment or without prior consultation with, approval of, and under the supervision of your physician or therapist. Application of the information, techniques and ideas in this article is at the sole risk and discretion of the reader.
