The Me-Time Mixtape: Three essential hand-curated links and resources on creative self-care. Carve out some me time this week!
#1 Mindfulness as a Superpower
Just a reminder about why mindfulness is so important, especially for caregivers who intersect with so much nonsense and stress as they navigate healthcare, financial and emotional landmines.
This video breaks down the value of mindfulness as a superpower (plus it's really fun to see Dan Harris depicted as a mouse – deadpan humor at its best).
#2 Forest Bathing: a Pause that Refreshes
What do these have in common:
- a banyan tree near the ocean in Hawaii
- the Redwood forest in California
- the Adirondack Mountains in New York
They are all beautiful places to engage in forest bathing, the practice of spending immersive, mindful moments in nature! Highly reviving, forest bathing (or nature walks as I experience them) are restorative forms of self-care. One of the benefits of immersing yourself in nature is that it puts your problems in perspective, and you feel connected to something greater than yourself. You can feel the enormity of planet Earth, and I find that especially comforting when I’m stressed.
Even my daily walks in Central Park can count (if I slow down and use my senses to be present in the moment). Right now, I'm enjoying the smell of Cherry Blossom trees, the sight of many different hues of green that seem to have sprung out of nowhere, and the light spring breeze that lets me know that summer is coming.
#3 Focus on the Art, Not the Outcome
Process art, artmaking and creative play that focus on the act of artmaking and not on the product can be a wonderful way to celebrate the present moment. Remember those long days when you were a child and would sit and draw/doddle/color for hours? By working with your hands, you can return to that playful time and feel connected to the present moment.
Check out the ideas at the end of this article on textured collage art, scented painting, and artmaking to music. Three great ideas for creative self-care.
Nicole Ahlering
Enjoy this newsletter? Forward it to a friend or hit reply to share your ideas and thoughts.
Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe today for free.
Latest Podcast Episode
Episode #28: The Nature Connection: Finding Peace & Perspective
Let the Verse Flow is an independent, member-supported publication launched in June 2023 by Jill Hodge. If you subscribe today, you'll have full access to the website and newsletter, including articles, podcast episodes, and the Me-Time Mixtape Newsletter. Members are vital to building a rich community of diverse voices. Join us by subscribing today; consider a paid subscription to support the community. Thank you!
