By Mary Berkery
Founder and CEO of Heaven and Earth Day Spa
We are in changing and challenging times. The world we knew of outer security is dissolving and changing. So, how do we keep balance and harmony amidst such outward fluctuations? How do we keep inner calm and connection to our essence in such times. As a CEO of two companies, one opened recently, I have found the following provide support in my life. Perhaps they will inspire you to find your own way.
ACCEPT AND LET GO (ALL CAPS)
Accept what is happening to you in your life – go with it, in some way surrender to it. Accept the choices you made and give gratitude. When fear comes – be with it, don’t fight it, let it move through you. Open to the present moment rather than wasting energy looking back saying, “if only”.
SLOW DOWN
When fear or stress creeps up – slow down. Take time to simply “be“, even if it means cancelling a meeting or an evening out. Create space in your day, your week, just to “be” without planning the next step or next doing – let your mind switch off and rest in not knowing all the answers.
REST
Get adequate rest. Sleep allows the soul to heal and integrate all that is changing within and outside our lives – so listen to your body. Take rest at weekends, get to bed early during the week, don’t pack your diary with activities. Pace yourself in your day.
NATURE
Take time in Nature. Whether it is by the sea or in the woodlands, let the rhythm and consistency of nature bring balance back to your body and soul.
DO THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO
That may be playing with children, reading a book, cycling, cooking or watching a DVD. Whatever it is, if you love to do it, take time to do it.
AVOID WATCHING TOO MUCH TELEVISION
… and negative news. Have a television free evening and read a book or listen to inspiring music.
EAT SIMPLY
Eat simply and well – fresh organic plant-based food. Avoid stimulants or stimulating foods such as sugar, coffee or alcohol.
BREATHE AND HYDRATE
When stressed, stop, breathe, become present with your breath. Breathe through the stress rather than holding breath back. Go through it with conscious breathing. Drink water. I have filtered ionised water in my home and at work, and just having a glass of water when my mind gets fuzzy can do wonders.
EXERCISE AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY
Get a regular body workout. Whether that is a massage, a swim, sauna or slow yoga. All help comes out of the speedy mind into the wisdom and intelligence of your body.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR APPEARANCE
… by wearing the colours and styles that suit you. Groom your hair and nails. Moisturise your skin daily and apply protective moisturising oils on your body after showering. All of this enhances your feeling of wellbeing, while giving you confidence to deal with the daily situations that present themselves.
CREATE SANCTUARY IN YOUR HOME
Create a place or places of sanctuary in your home. Whether it be a chair with an area where you read or meditate in, or a corner in a room where you have an icon or inspiring picture or fresh flowers. Go to this for your quiet time. Children can get involved with this too in a creative way.
GIVE AND RECEIVE
… from your special friends and family. Offer positive support and ask for it. Go for a walk or have dinner together. Surround yourself with positive and heart-filled people.
LIVE SIMPLY
The simple things in life are free – watching a sunset with your child, getting up to see the sunrise, relaxing with friends.
Know that life is always opening to you; that as doors close, doors open. Trust; go deep into it daily. In all of these – one starts learning with grace, presence, gratitude and simple joy – allowing beauty, softness and grace to shine fourth from within your life and life experiences, no matter how difficult.
Mary Berkery is Ireland’s leading holistic health and beauty expert, with over twenty year’s industry experience. For info, visit www.heavenandearth.ie
