Embracing Renewal
August 2024 ~ Issue #1
Dive into this month’s issue for a blend of creative exploration and wellbeing practices designed to nurture your spirit and spark joy.
In This Issue:
🌱 Wisdom of the Month
🎨 Creative Expression Corner
📝 Inspiring Reflection Prompts
🌿 Holistic Wellbeing Practices
📷 Showcase & Affirmation
Wisdom of the Month 🌱
“Self-care is not selfish; it’s a vital act of self-respect and love.”
~ Unknown
Creative Expression Corner 🎨
This issue, I invite you to create something that embodies self-care, either a personal self-care kit or vision board.
Designing a personal self-care kit
Creating a self-care kit is a personal journey, and it's essential to include items that resonate with your unique needs and preferences. Take the time to consider what brings you peace, joy, and comfort. Your self-care kit is a reflection of your commitment to nurturing yourself, so let it be a source of solace and inspiration. You may wish to include things like:
Comfortable socks
A Yoga mat
Journal and pen
Colouring book
Herbal tea
Music
Massage tools
A snack
Face mask
A book
Oracle cards
Water bottle
This image is for illustration purposes only but does give a little insight into my personal self-care kit which as well as art supplies and other things, also always includes crystals, candles and aromatherapy oils 🙂.
Amethyst is one of my favourite crystals. Did you know Amethyst is not only treasured for its spiritual properties but also for its physical and metaphysical healing properties? It can help with anxiety, depression, clear the mind, wash away toxic thinking, encourage solid sleep patterns, and ease tension and headaches.
I find the gentle glow of a candle can create a calming atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and meditation.
Also Aromatherapy has such a powerful effect because it taps into our limbic system. This part of the brain deals with emotions, memories, and stimulation and can even influence hormonal responses. My favourite aromatherapy blend in my self-care kit is a mix of Lavender, Rosemary, and Rose:
Lavender: Known for its wonderful properties, lavender helps with sleep, anxiety, depression, and headaches.
Rosemary: Helps alleviate muscle pain, improves memory, and boosts the immune and circulatory system.
Rose: The scent of rose helps release endorphins, which are chemical signals in the brain that increase feelings of wellbeing.
Creating a vision board
If you prefer then create a vision board, think about your wellness goals and aspirations. Gather images, quotes, and materials that inspire you. Arrange them in a way that feels meaningful and visually pleasing to you. Place your vision board somewhere you will see it every day. This can serve as a daily reminder of your commitment to self-care and personal growth.
Inspiring Reflection Prompts 📝
Nurturing Moments
Reflect on a recent experience where you prioritise self-care. How did it affect your mood and overall wellbeing? What did you learn about your needs?Creative Self-Care
How can creativity enhance your self-care routine? Write about a creative practice you’d like to incorporate into your self-care, and how it could enrich your life.Embracing Balance
Identify one area of your life where you feel out of balance. What self-care practices can you introduce to bring more harmony and joy into this area?
Holistic Wellbeing Practices 🌿
🌼 Rituals for Rejuvenation
Incorporate simple yet effective rituals into your daily routine to enhance your wellbeing. Try starting or ending your day with a mindfulness practice, such as guided meditation or a reflective walk in nature.
🧘♀️ Wellness Tip
Create a calming evening ritual. Whether it’s a warm bath with essential oils or a relaxing stretch, find a routine that helps you unwind and recharge.
Showcase & Affirmation 📷
Art by:
Tamara Laporte of Willowing Arts
I have selected this piece to share as I honestly love Tamara's art and feel this self empathy portrait of her is a beautiful example of self-care and renewal.
If you want to create one too then pop along to Tamara’s wonderful free tutorial on youtube: Make a Self Empathy Portrait with Me!
