mind | body | home
Photo by: Markus Winkler @markuswrinkler
Sharing natural skills and talents makes humans feel alive with a purpose. This weekend, share what comes natural to you, a recipe, a favor, a book, a kind gesture or something that could use a quick fix. Everyone has a skill or talent so dig deep and get to sharing!
Setting the dinner table for holidays can be almost as daunting as planning, prepping and cooking the meal. This year, consider using items you already have around the house in new and innovative ways. Every concept starts with a vision/feel/vibe/theme and start visualizing your table. Make a list of the items you’d like to use such as a table runner, napkins, candlesticks, dishes, placemats, cutlery and a centerpiece. Next, walk around the house and pull items that look like they compliment the concept of your vision. This is a chance to reimagine and experiment with flipping flower pots of varying sizes upside down to create elevation for your centerpiece. Look for things with texture to ground the table and showcase the lighter items. If there are plants or flowers around the house consider if they will tie your tablescape together as a centerpiece or smaller accents. Keep an open mind and go outside for some natural elements to add such as branches, pine cones and evergreens. Lastly, if time permits, create custom place cards or a handwritten menu as a finishing touch. Enjoy creative tablescaping!
Photo by: Visual Stories II Micheile @micheile
Photo by: Jon Tyson @jontyson
Choose a moment this weekend to share a personal story with someone about a kind gesture another person bestowed upon you.
This can be brought up in a casual conversation starting like, “Did I ever tell you the time when ______ did _______ for me and it how grateful I’m whenever I think of that time?” Chances are the person you share your story with will be reminded of one of their’s to share.
The purpose of this exercise is to recall a moment of unexpected abundance that you experienced to keep your mind in an open state of receiving. This mindset attracts even more greatness into you already beautiful life. If you’re struggling with receiving, repeat “I am worthy, I am worthy, I am worthy,” throughout the weekend. Eventually you’ll believe it so stick with it especially because it’s challenging. Happy abundant, grateful, weekend of receiving!
Photo by: Total Shape @totalshape
Design and art impact mental health in numerous ways. The act of creating art releases dopamine from the brain causing euphoria, concentration, and enhanced motivation. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that delivers a dose of euphoria throughout the body followed by a sense of accomplishment upon completing a task or project. Regular creative activity aids in preventing depression and reducing anxiety while keeping hormones in balance. Creating artwork does not replace conventional medical treatment, however, it can enhance the progress of achieving consistent mental wellness. Creative activities allow an individual to take responsibility and participate in their own healing process. Painting, pottery, music, and crafting will not override or interfere with conventional healing modalities so it is important to keep an open mind when exploring creative outlets. Creativity is a spark capable of igniting the mind and body in which together has unlimited healing power.
Choose a creative activity to get lost in the process and then relish in the completion detached from the outcome. Over time a creative practice may work its way into your daily routine even for just a few minutes.
Photo by: Stepan Unar @semisunar
Make some time to go for a crisp fall walk or hike in nature! Take deep breaths of fresh air, hold it…then exhale completely. Go alone to practice pivoting negative thoughts when they try to hijack your peaceful moment or drag a friend, partner or pet along for the adventure.
When you get home, make your favorite drink and write down some of the thoughts you had or conversations with others. Sometimes great ideas or solutions to annoying issues are resolved when we step away.
Enjoy the fall, it will be freezing soon…unless you’re in San Diego where it’s always perfect. Whatever.