“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.”
~Anne Lamott, American novelist and nonfiction writer
Seasonal change is a great time to “unplug” and connect with your wisdom self, your deep self. Checking in like this creates clarity as you move in your daily life. And, it does not have a to be a big, long retreat. Today, I am sharing a list of ## ways you can unplug as our days shorten (for those of us in the northern hemisphere) and we roll toward the busy holiday season:
- Book a self-care treatment. Massage, float tank, energy or sound healing, reflexology, mani/pedi, or even a long, hot bath. Take some to indulge your body and your being in feeling good. Check out local massage or beauty schools for more budget-friendly options.
- Set aside time for silence. First choose a chunk of time, like Saturday morning from ten to noon. Then turn off all phones, electronics including music, and settle yourself in to this gift of silence. Seat yourself and focus on your breathing until your Inner Wisdom whispers inspired actions for this time. Be easy about it all. Let it be weird and notice how it feels. Consider keeping up the practice weekly or monthly.
- Make an Artist Date. Julia Cameron, author of the Artist’s Way says, “The Artist Date is a once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore something that interests you. The Artist Date need not be overtly ‘artistic’ — think mischief more than mastery. Artist Dates fire up the imagination. They spark whimsy. They encourage play. Since art is about the play of ideas, they feed our creative work by replenishing our inner well of images and inspiration. When choosing an Artist Date, it is good to ask yourself, ‘what sounds fun?’ — and then allow yourself to try it.” Enough said. Learn more about Julia’s work here.
- Get away. Book yourself a place to stay (cabin, campsite, hotel room, pet sitting gig) for a place change. Keep your packing simple and set a “no electronics” pledge. Explore your place and space. One of my favorite ways to get away on the fly is to book a nearby campsite. No need to bring all the gear. Take a camp chair, some snacks, firewood, and your journal. Then enjoy your site for a few evening hours, then come home to your comfy bed to sleep.
- Writing Reflections. Grab your journal and travel inward with these writing prompts:
a. What season do you love best? What memories does the season evoke?
b. In what places and roles do you feel most alive? Most yourself?
c. How does love flow in your life? How can you widen those flows?
Altering a daily grind will disrupt your autopilot tendencies and remind you of your precious life. Find and use your favorite ways to connect with your essence and inner wisdom. Make a plan and see what emerges. Life shifts and changes in these rich times. Explore and enjoy. I would love to hear how things go when you do. I will post the blog on Facebook and Instagram so you can share your experience and any suggestions you have for getting away.
Blessings,
