At Inspirited Living we are supported this week by light. We know that for many people in the northern hemisphere the long nights and short days can feel heavy and dark. In this National Geographic story about Festivals of Lights, we feel supported by the reminder that all over the world and many different religious traditions light candles, put on light displays, and light bonfires to share joy, celebration, and hope for the return of the sun.
As we enter the season of anticipation and incubation, we can take a few moments to clear the air. We are feeling uplifted this week by Marie Kondo’s calming use of palo alto, salt, incense, sage, and even tuning forks to clear the air. At Inspirited Living we love Marie Kondo’s emphasize on the intention behind the ritual: honoring the way our living spaces protect and nourish us during the year and allowing anything that has accumulated that we no longer need, to be released back into the world. Let us know if you have another way of clearing the air for the new growth to come!
We are inspired this week by astrologer Chani Nicholas talking about why what she does works. Inspirited Living’s favorite astrologer, Chani Nicholas, gives us all perspective on what is important and how we can go with the flow even when the stars throw some major challenges our way. In this season of anticipation and incubating, Chani also helps remind us what we can take from the past year and what we need to release to make room for new growth.
One way to support our gratitude practice is through the smells and tastes that relax us. Right now, lavender, ginger and cinnamon all have aromas that evoke the holidays and celebrations. Inspirited Living’s cosmos flower essence, chicory flower essence, lavender essence and our small batch, hand-made Lavender chewing gum is super for supporting relaxation and a sense of well-being throughout the day.
We are uplifted this week by this article from Berkley University showing how gratitude can change lives. In a series of studies with children, different researchers found that teaching about the components of gratitude had long term benefits in happiness for children aged 8-11. Gratitude and joy can be taught and it changed lives. Bundled in the lessons, the children also learned about empathy, appreciation, compassion, and consideration. Not bad for 30 minutes a day for one week!