The Health and Life Mixing Bowl

Conversations with Children

Red Shoes, originally uploaded by sgrace.

When was the last time you sat down and had a conversation with a child?

Not just a "what's your favorite snack?" type conversation; a real, organic conversation that has no point? You know: just conversation for the sake of conversation.

Children are surprisingly thoughtful. In fact, they cane even more thoughtful than a lot of adults. As they try to make sense of the world, learning at an exponential rate, their minds are working 24/7. When you invite them to talk they have the ability to challenge you and force you in their gentle way to think outside the box.

Looking at the world through the eyes of a child is a way to rediscover things you've forgotten, discover things you have never known, and redefine your notion of what the world is all about.

Just Be

Reflection On a Boat - Alter-ego, originally uploaded by Twistiti Photography.

So much of our life is spent distracting ourselves with every possible concern or entertainment. It is a rare and precious moment when we are allowed (or rather, when we allow ourselves) to simply BE.

Whether we are keeping ourselves from facing inner demons, or providing fodder for our egos, the constant “busyness” of modern life is unhealthy. While it may seem challenging in the beginning to do something as simple as stopping and letting all our cares go, it is an invaluable exercise and a vital first step toward a better life.

Take five minutes each day for a week and just BE. Clear your mind, and feel the air around your. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds in the room without fixating on any of them. Just let yourself “reset”.

Moments of solitude and quiet are the cornerstone of spiritual development.

Nourish yourself with silence.

Books from your Childhood

Being a grown up is hard.  It seems like after Kindergarten our lives are all about work, work, work.  There's always too much to do and not enough time to do it.  The world has unending demands and it us up to us to draw the line and nurture our inner child--the one who used to have chicken soup for lunch and a two-hour nap in the afternoons.

One of the best ways to recapture a few moments of sweet innocence is to pick up one of you favorite childhood books.  Winnie the Pooh.  The Velveteen Rabbit.  Even Curious George.  The stories and the illustrations can instantly transport you to a simpler time and place, bringing comfort and feelings of security.

It is so important to let yourself remember the innocent and even naïve outlook you had before you were jaded and roughed up by the harshness of the outside world.  That sweet innocence is what Jesus of Nazareth referred to when he told his followers to “become like these children”.  It’s good advice for anyone, regardless of their faith.  Children are born with an innate sense of right and wrong; they have the ability to see clearly and to be honest with themselves and other people.

Revisiting your childhood via children’s books can be a way to remind yourself of who you really are—who you started out to be.

The Art of Bathing

Glowing Bath, originally uploaded by Daniel KJ.

A bath isn't just a way to clean your body. Immersion in water has long been a symbol of cleansing for the spirit--from the Christian baptism, to the ancient custom of bathing in a holy river or lake to purify the spirit. Taking a bath doesn't have to be a chore. It can be a way to recreate your self; a ritual, or a soothing element that helps calm your mind and body.

The first important element in the art of bathing is to ensure your bathing space is clean and special. You don't have to have a huge tub or a marble-tiled bathroom. But make sure it is clean and pleasing to the senses. Light a scented candle or some incense, buy bath salts infused with essential oils, or sprinkle some flower petals in the water.

Don't worry about washing your hair or any of the other personal hygeine tasks that people associate with bathing. The purpose of your bath is to relax and enjoy the healing properties of the water. A glass of wine or sparkling mineral water can be sipped, and perhaps some music played to enhance the experience.

Lie back and visualize the water washing away any negativity, anxiety, fear, or anger. Let your physical body relax as the warm water relaxes your muscles. Listen to the music, and forget about anything going on outside the bathroom.

Twenty or thirty minutes bathing can make a difference in your entire week. Allow your self to be healed, comforted and rejuvenated by the sacred substance that sustains all life on this planet.