Elevate Your Spirit
Elevate Your Spirit
As we approach the Solstice (longest day of the year, December 21), wintry doldrums can set in – even here in sunny California.
I think these are quite normal as winter is ultimately a season of contraction where all living things conserve energy for the rapture of spring ahead.
But if you’re a productive person who thrives on efficiency and feeling like you’ve always got a full-tank, here are some things I do myself (that can hopefully help you too).
5 tips to Elevating Your Spirit
GET OUTSIDE AND MOVE YOUR BODY or (STAY INSIDE AND MOVE YOUR BODY)!
If you live where there is some modicum of sunlight, get yourself some rays of light when the sun is strongest (before noon). And if it’s too frigid to go outside, REBOUND indoors!
SMELL SOMETHING GOOD!
Our powerful and ancient olfactory senses have the ability to alert us to danger (rancid food) or evoke relaxation (think of a scent you enjoy). If you are new to the world of scents, aromas, and perfumey notes – I like to call them potions – try a couple on for size. In most natural foods grocery stores there will be a section devoted to health & beauty with testers of essential oils. Try closing your eyes and smelling the following:
- lavender, rose, geranium (floral)
- grapefruit or orange (citrus)
- eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint, tea tree, clary sage (herbaceous & camphoraceous)
- cedarwood, sandalwood, pine (woody)
In selecting an essential oil or two, you’re looking for that ‘ahhhhhhh’ – a sense of je ne sais quoi – something that just smells so good that you’d like it around you. This isn’t a complicated decision; just go with your gut, or rather, your nose.
I have been in a long love affair with Rose Otto ever since discovering the brand, Living Libations and their product, Rose Glow. Most of the essential oils I use on myself and my clients are from this Canadian company. A drop or two into damp hands, waft in front of your face, and pat your neck, ends of hair and décolletage.
Rose Otto is particularly effective for opening the heart and emotional relaxation.
I absolutely love this stuff – a quasi-religious experience anointing yourself with Rose Glow (not sponsored!)
DO BREATH OF FIRE!
Breath of Fire is a powerful, invigorating breathing technique that energizes and detoxifies the body. It is taught differently amongst traditions but as I teach it, you rapidly exhale a’SHOOSH’ing sound through pursed lips. The inhale is automatic. Google for ideas. I will make a video tutorial in 2018 all about this remarkable breath!
4. SWEAT, SAUNA (regular or infrared) OR STEAM ROOM!
Sweat is the ultimate purifier so if repetitive thoughts or behaviors are dragging you down, get thee self to some heat! Try some dry-brushing before or a salt/sugar scrub.
5. GIVE OR GET A HUG!
I don’t think the scientific method has accurately put a finger on the profundity of touch for healing.
PRO TIP–If you’re not sure your hug is consensual, please hug something with four legs. #metoo
In love & light and the uplifiting of spirit everywhere,
Catherine
Catherine Tingey
Entrepreneur, yogini, designer, award-winning filmmaker, personal trainer and former marathon runner. She left a career in finance to start her own business and along the way, became a yoga teacher. She has been practicing yoga for 33 years and teaching privately for 13 years.
About the Author
Catherine Tingey+ Entrepreneur, yogini, designer, award-winning filmmaker, personal trainer and former marathon runner. She left a career in finance to start her own business and along the way, became a yoga teacher. She has been practicing yoga for 33 years and teaching privately for 13 years.
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