Earlier this week, I realized I was in need of inspiration, rejuvenation and perspective. I wasn’t able to use any of my standbys: i.e. taking a long walk in nature, curling up before the fireplace or taking a hot bath.
So I issued myself a challenge: Is it possible to create sacred space in the everyday context of my life? Happily, I was to discover that I need not even leave my house to achieve my goal: creating the context for peace and meaning for which I yearned.
I promised to share my little but potentially potent ritual with you, so here it is. Want to give it a try? Here it is:
- Go to your computer first thing, before you read emails or catch up on work.
If you cant do it first thing and/or feel the need for a mini-retreat any time during the day or night, there’s no stopping you. This works best, by the way, if this is a home computer, even if you also do work on it, rather than at an outside office. But in a pinch… - Make sure you have a screen saver that is meaningful to you.
For instance, it may be people you love, a favorite place, a mandala…whatever. Right now, mine is just a single flower that speaks to me of simplicity and self-nurturing. (If you haven’t changed your screensaver in awhile, or just use the default the software provides, this is a good time to be deliberate about your choice.) If your computer plays music (most do), put in a favorite CD to help you set the mood. Mine is currently chakra healing chants by Sophia. - Unfocus your eyes (look at the screensaver softly) while breathing in time to the music…slow, deep breaths.
Do this for at least five minutes. (Use a timer, otherwise you’ll think one minute is five. Even better, have a piece of music you like that’s the proper length so you don’t have to think about the time at all.) As you breathe in, take in love, faith and whatever positive qualities the screensaver and music bring forth for you. As you breathe out, let go of worries, anxiety or any negative emotions you’d rather not take into the day with you. - Now go to Vibrant Nation and follow your instincts to the first section or reading that draws you to it.
In my case, I followed the Spirituality tab and ended up on “Cleaning My Heart” by Watermusic. I got just what I needed, an inspirational message about not labeling difficult people in order to put them in easily dismissable boxes, rather than stretching to embrace the messiness of being human. But you should go to whatever attracts you to it. And isn’t it great that Vibrant Nation has so much new material every day! There are endless sources of inspiration to draw upon. - If you need more, you would use the “search” function on VibrantNation.com (top right of any page).
Enter whatever particular issues are on your mind and see if someone has something specific to share with you, say about adult children or illness. - Follow whatever threads keep your attention for as long as you’ve set aside for your new ritual.
For me, I will range from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the day and my degree of need and/or inspiration.) - Conclude by sending yourself (and/or others) an inspirational message.
If something has really touched me, as it did this morning, I’d take the time to express gratitude to whomever contributed to the insight or inspiration. I’d also use the opportunity to summarize what I hope to take away and into my day. Alternately, I could send myself a private message or email with an affirmation, motto or something for which I feel grateful.
For me, it adds to the effectiveness of this to think that others are doing the same types of interactions with Vibrant Nation, at around the same time of day. If you give this a try, let me know how it works!
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Sounds very interesting.
Spike, you are awesome! Love your perspective, thanks for sharing.
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