Wed 26 Oct, 2022
A Time For Quiet Reflection
Quiet.
Dark.
Slow.
Soft.
Breathe…
As we have entered into the Autumn season, the days are getting shorter, the nights are getting longer & there is a deep sense of wanting to turn inwards. Hibernate. Rest. Recharge.
As we draw a close to this month, I believe that for many of us there has been a shift in energy, in wanting to slow down & take the time to tend & nurture ourselves. The hustle & bustle of the summer has slowly left us, leaving remnants of warm summer nights, the comings & goings of various summer events, such as: BBQ’s, summer holidays & catching up with friends. This vivacious energy seems a distant memory.
The cold is now creeping in, we long to stay indoors with candles lit & a fire roaring, curl up on the sofa or soak in a hot bath. Cocoon ourselves in a net of warmth & safety.
This email today will serve as a reminder for us to pause, ground ourselves in this moment & take the time to self-reflect.
Self-reflection is something that is quite innate to me, it’s where I reflect upon my emotions, my actions, my behaviours. It may even be a quiet contemplation about the week or the day so far.
In this space of quiet contemplation, it is where I cultivate my self- awareness, rest when needed & listen & tend to my needs as they arise.
This month has been tough to say the least & whilst talking to friends, I can see that there is a general sense of worry, angst & fear amongst us all.
I myself, have fallen victim to the constraints & the constructs of the mind. Where this fear based energy is cultivated.
Society has taught us to constantly strive, work hard, not rest even when we’re tired. To keep going, keep pushing, keep trying to prove a point because if you’re not constantly hustling, is what you’re doing even good enough?
I struggle with this a lot, I’ve struggled with this since starting my business. If I’m not constantly ‘doing something’ then what am I doing?
Which is why I want us to take a step inwards.
My wish is, for us all to live in harmony with ourselves & our emotions, rest when we need to & know that it is OKAY. It is okay to rest. It is okay to take time out. You are enough & you are doing enough. I promise.
The grounding practise below will help bring you more into yourself & there will be some journaling prompts to follow.
Use this practise if you feel called to do so & if not, that is also okay. I ask just one question for you to contemplate on…
How can I best serve myself?
For those of you who wish to take part in this grounding practise, you can start by sitting in a chair or cross-legged:
Take in 3 big deep inhales & feel the breath all the way down into your belly.
Bring attention to the part of the body that is connecting you to the ground.
Feel the seat beneath you, the temperature of the air around you.
Straighten your back, let your breath flow, easily & effortlessly.
Take another 3 big, deep belly breaths & feel the breath travel all the way down your body, anchoring yourself firmly into the ground.
Visualise you are growing roots.
The grow & penetrate the ground, further & further into the earth’s core.
With each breath, the roots pull you further down & anchor you in.
Focus on your breathing & settle into yourself.
You may find that your mind is noisy & busy but slowly keep bringing yourself back to your breath.
You may want to take a couple of minutes to feel settled, to feel calm. Take your time. To be still.
Once you feel more settled, I would like you to spend some time thinking about these questions. You can grab a journal & write them down, or just think about them in your mind.
How can I best serve myself?
How do I show up for myself every day?
What do I need in this moment?
What am I grateful for right now?
Take some time to contemplate these questions. Try not to think too hard about the answer. Write or form the answer that comes naturally to you.
And then see what you notice…
I hope this practise serves you well.
Sending you all my love,
Ayesha
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