I just noticed Daylight Savings Time on my calendar and my heart jumped in excitement. Yay, Spring is coming! Yes, I have so enjoyed my winter cave time. And I am ready for Spring! How about you?
I have had a breakthrough this winter. Really slowing down, listening to my body, mind and heart, pacing myself, resting as I need to, and taking a retreat to Florida have been some of the ways I have loved my winter repose. What have you done for yourself this winter?
Many people tell me that the changing light and shortened days set them into a mild depression. This can change our mood and our ways of relating to others.
Then, just as a bear grumbles and seems grouchy when coming out of the winter slumber, so can humans. Feeling critical, judgmental, and cynical may be signs that you need time to yourself. How about having a mini-retreat to reset your nervous system and come into more harmony with yourself? This may be a good transition from winter into spring.
Here are some helpful guidelines for your mini-retreat:
Carve out time and space for just you – no phones, devices, people, or to-do lists.
Dedicate 10 minutes – three days – whatever works in your schedule and lifestyle.
Have a beginning and an ending to your mini-retreat. Get the support of others so you are not distracted. No calls or interruptions.
Make the time and space sacred and meaningful. Symbols and supplies like candles, prayer beads, music, art supplies, or a yoga mat can enhance your experience.
Set an intention for this time alone. IDEAS: to breathe more deeply, to relax my mind, to rest or move my body, to tune into something greater than myself, to give thanks, to pray for healing, to send love to others, to clear old resentments, to activate more life energy, etc.
Use your journal or recording device to track your intention and what comes up for you.
Be as kind and accepting of yourself as you can be.
Activate your self-care repertoire to attend to your body, mind, heart, and soul.
Gather your learnings into a word or phrase to remind yourself during and after your time alone. Breathe in as you say I am... (or the beginning phrase), then exhale as you complete the sentence. For example: I am relaxing. I am grateful. I am loving, I am loved, I am holy, all is well, life is beautiful, all is connected, I am part of the Oneness, etc.
Your ideas?
Jim Sharon and I are here to support you in your well-being. Taking care of your precious self can enhance your life energy and enliven your relationships. Contact us for practical and inspiring coaching!
Share your comments or photos on our Facebook Soulful Couples Community page.
Watch our Events page for upcoming self-care (Doorways to Being) and couple-care (Grand Openings) private retreats, which we design together.
Questions? Email us any time at info@soulfulcouples.com.
Your Relationship Coach,
Ruth Sharon
Lic. Professional Counselor
Wellness and Relationship Coach
www.soulfulcouples.com
ruth@soulfulcouples.com
Ruth Sharon is a relationship coach, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). Her passion is facilitating couples to enhance the vitality of their relationship and make healthy lifestyle choices. Ruth shares her wisdom, compassion and humor with individuals, couples, families, and groups. Ruth and her husband, who have been married since 1970, co-authored Secrets of a Soulful Marriage: Creating and Sustaining a Loving, Sacred Relationship, SkyLight Paths Publishing, 2014. They are delighted to offer coaching for couples and singles, in person and virtually, as well as transformative couples’ retreats, seminars and online courses.
