In the midst of winter weariness, grief or sorrow can often take hold. These circumstances call us to care for ourselves. Self-care doesn’t simply mean doing nice things for ourselves, but also getting back in touch with our bodies. It can begin with a deep breath and an exploration of our senses.
There are more than five senses for certain. Touch, taste, smell, sight and sound are the most commonly thought of, but gravity and movement are also important elements of our senses. How do you check in with your full self?
Vision: What is your wake-to-sleep ratio? What do you consume/what are you exposed to when you are awake? How does your vision impact your wellness?
Vibes: What’s on your playlist? What natural/machine sounds are around you? How does sound vibration impact your wellness?
Taste: Are you hydrated? What are you feeding your body? Have you nourished adequately today? Do you have questions about what your body needs on the road to wellness?
Breath: Are you breathing deeply? What smells are around you? Does adding new, familiar, comforting or cleansing scents impact your wellness?
Touch: Wash your hands! What water temperature do you prefer? Soap? Towels or air dry? Moisturizer? Our skin serves us so faithfully. How do we spend time treating ourselves in ways that nourish our sense of touch?
Feel: Have you ever tried a weighted blanket or noticed that a pile of blankets feels more comforting? How does it feel for the water in a bath to hold you or the shower to fall and wash over you? Gravity is a gift. How do we experience our weight in life-affirming ways?
Move: Shake it out! If you aren’t yet out of your head and into your body by the time you read this, put your phone down and take a lap. How do our bodies, minds and spirits heal when we engage our bodies in physical movement?
On Fri., Mar. 10 at 7 p.m. we will gather in the Sanctuary for an interactive Healing Service where we will explore at least five of the senses together while also sharing some of our joys and sorrows in community. Come as you are. Coffee, tea and refreshments will be served after the service for time in fellowship.