The following poem has always been one of my favorites. Enjoy!
Autobiography in Five Short Chapters
by Portia Nelson
Chapter 1
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost. . . .I am helpless.
It isn’t my fault.
Chapter 2
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in the same place.
But it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
Chapter 3
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in. . . .It’s a habit.
My eyes are open. I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
Chapter 4
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
Most of us have hectic days that are often crammed with too much productivity. Your work and general rushed lifestyle can take a toll on your body, mind, and spirit. Incorporating relaxing music into your life can be a beneficial way to unwind and release tension and stress.
Whether you listen to music in the evening to unwind or before going to bed, choosing the right music can encourage deep relaxation. For example, music that has a slow, soothing beat can calm your body into a synchronized state with the beat.
Different types of music can have different effects, but in general, instrumental music is most helpful to induce calm that leads to restful sleep:
♥ The harp can be very melodic and can reduce stress and tension.
♥ Sounds of nature, often deep and slow rhythms, can be very calming.
♥ The sounds of water and waves can create a rhythmic state.
♥ Flutes and chimes can be soothing and relaxing.
♥ The right classical music in general can help produce a tranquil state.
Soothing music can be beneficial for anyone at any age. Babies respond very well to soft melodies. In general, soft, slow music induces the autonomous nervous system to slow down breathing and heart rate, bringing the body to a more relaxed state. And with the body and mind relaxed, feelings of anxiety and depression are lessened. Enjoy!
Crystals are composed of minerals and are part of the Earth’s energy. Each crystal with its own color, configuration, and properties is believed to hold a different Earth memory and energy.
Throughout history, most religions and cultures have used stones and crystals for both decorative and symbolic purposes. For example, the Celtic people understood that garnet gave a person courage and energy to take appropriate action. Certain Native American tribes placed turquoise on the breastplates of warriors to provide protection. In ancient Babylon and Greece, agate was used as a charm of healing and protection. Amber has been used in ancient cultures as a bringer of courage and honesty.
While wearing jewelry containing crystals and stones is an age-old tradition, more recently it seems as a society we have rediscovered the beauty and power of crystals not only for adornment, but also for assisting in healing the body’s energy.
Stones can be used to stimulate and heal energy in the body. For example, the following stones, among others, are associated with specific purposes:
To increase your general well-being: clear quartz and zircon;
To balance your emotions and reduce depression: jade, aventurine, rose quartz;
To aid in digestion and ease food allergies: citrine, turquoise, agate;
To ease pain, agitation, and stress: amethyst, sugilite, labradorite.
You can place these stones in your pockets, in the area where you sleep or work, or wear jewelry containing these stones.
By understanding the therapeutic and historical associations of stones and crystals, you can wisely choose stones that can bring both beauty and healing power into your life.
Whenever you feel really frazzled, it is helpful to take a 10-minute break in between stressful tasks in order to unwind. During this short break, perform the following activities to de-stress:
Breathe: Pay attention to your breathing. Whether sitting or standing, focus on your breathing. How full is your breath and are you breathing deep down in the bottom of your abdomen?
Tighten and Relax: First with your hands and then your arms, feet, and legs, tighten each part of our body and hold it tightly for about 10 seconds. Then release that area. Do this with each quadrant of your body—tighten and release.
Visualize: Think about a place or situation in which you remember feeling completely relaxed. Close your eyes and take yourself back to the scene and take a deep breath, focusing on the relaxing feeling you had there. Next, envision a stream of energy pouring through your body, washing away the stress, allowing it to leave your body with every out-breath.
Fresh Air: If you are working inside and it is possible to go outside, take a moment to breathe deeply some fresh air. If you are unable to do that or even in addition to fresh air, try smelling a few drops of naturally scented oil. It can rejuvenate you, particularly scents like peppermint and citrus.
Taking a break, even though short, can provide just the shift that you need to release tension and move into a more balanced state.
