If you feel you need to give your meditation an extra boost, or would like to ask for help meditating in a ritual or spell, here are some basic magickal correspondences dealing with meditation.
Colors; Blue, White, Silver, Indigo, Purple, Violet, Yellow
Astrology; Aquarius, Pisces
Planets; Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
Day of the Week: Saturdays or Wednesdays
Element: Air
Plants & Herbs;
Basil, Bay Laurel, Benzoin, Copal, Frankincense, Gardenia, Jasmine, Lavender, Mugwort, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Patchouli, Sage, Witchgrass, Wormwood
Crystals & Gemstones;
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Blue Topaz, Calcite, Citrine, Herkimer Diamond, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Mica, Moonstone, Obsidian, Onyx, Peridot, Quartz, Rose Quartz, Sapphire, Selenite, Sodalite,Topaz, Turquoise, Ulexite
Additional Tools;
Bell, Chimes, Tibetan Singing Bowl, Meditation Pillow, a Meditation Table or Altar
If you are having trouble with meditation; whether it be finding the time to meditate, or being able to still your mind long enough to relax, look at this list and see what you can put together to encourage and enhance your meditation practice. The more ritualistic you make your meditation time, with the continuous practice and repetition of the same ritual each time, you will begin to settle more quickly and easily into a meditative state. You will also have made more of a commitment to practice meditation and there fore will find more time, or time will present itself to you.
For example, using the list and suggestions above, I would make a small meditation table in my bedroom or another private area... even a bathroom! Place a few of the above mentioned crystals on it, along with an Air Element representation of my choice. I would place my bell or Tibetan Singing Bowl on this table, and an incense burner or essential oil diffuser.... and choose from the above listed plants and herbs for a scent for my incense or oil. I may find a candle in one of the colors listed above, anoint it with essential oil from one of the plants listed above and bless it with my intention to meditate more often or for longer periods of time. I might choose to carve symbols that represent the astrological signs or planets listed above into the sides of my candle. Once I have my area set up, I begin each meditation the same way. I make note of what order I do things in and remember to do them in the same order each time I sit down to meditate... this repetition creates ritual.
For example, I might do a few simple stretches and drink some water. Roll my neck and shoulders gently and stretch my back and legs to prepare for sitting. Then I light my candle, and say a simple prayer to God/Goddess/Angels/Spirit Guides to protect me and help me during my meditation. Next I light the incense or oil burner and simply breathe the aroma for a minute, enjoying it. Then I would sit myself in the position I am going to meditate in, ring my bell one time to signal the beginning of my meditation, and then begin.
This is just one example of how you may use the list above to help you in meditation. There are so many possibilities with the things listed above, from the blends of incense you might make, a mojo bag to hold while you meditate, crystals to use on a meditation mala necklace, symbols and colors to create a mandala for meditation.... come up with whatever works best for you and use it to enhance your meditation practice!
Showing posts with label habits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label habits. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Air Element Study, Lesson 3 - Breath & Meditation
Air Element Studies, Lesson 3 - Breath & Meditation
The easiest and most efficient way to connect with Air Energy is something you do all the time anyways. Breathing.
Inhale.
Exhale.
You just engaged yourself quite directly with the Element of Air. Of course, to really connect with Air Energy you need to bring awareness to your breathing. Pay attention to it. Do it with intention, take notice of how you feel with each breath. This is where meditation comes in.
Meditation is a form of Air Element Magick. It's an important skill to learn, not just for Air Energy magick, but for all forms of magick, for positivity, the law of attraction, stress relief, and improved health. Meditation improves your focus and concentration, which makes it easier for you to truly focus your intent into any magick or ritual you do. It also improves your brain-power as your focus and concentration improve, so do your abilities to learn and remember things (as you remember... learning and studying are basic Air Element aspects). Meditation and focused breathing improves blood flow to your brain, eyes, and all other internal organs, improving your all over-health and sense of well being. It can help you relieve stress, sleep better, worry less, and just feel better!
Over the next week I will post some basic meditation tips and techniques, a few guided meditations, and yes we will even create a craft project to help us with our breath meditations! For starters, here is some food for thought;
The Meaning of the Breath
by Stephan Bodain, from "Meditation For Dummies"
" Traditional cultures identified the breath with the life force that animates all beings. For example, the Latin word spiritus (the root of both "spirited" and "spiritual"), the Greek word anima (from which we derive the word "animated"), the Hebrew word ruach, and the Sanskrit word brahman may all sound quite different, but they all have one thing in common - they all mean both "breath" and "Spirit or Soul". When you follow your breath with awareness, you're not only harmonizing your body and mind, which gives you a sense of inner harmony and wholeness, you're also exploring the living frontier where body, mind, and spirit meet - and attuning yourself to a spiritual dimension of being."
Getting Started.... Basic Awareness of Breath Meditation
There are many basic meditation techniques that involve controlling the breath (controlling the length of inhale and exhale), counting the breath (counting how many breaths you take or how long each breath is), or creating a certain rhythm to your breath. We will explore some of these later on. But for now, just to simply learn awareness and contact basic Air Energy.... begin by simply being aware of your breath. Sit comfortably, and relax. It's best not to lay down because you may fall asleep, and while you do want to relax, you also want to remain aware. Find a comfortable position and simply observe your breath. Observe how your lungs expand. Observe how in some breaths you breathe down into your belly, and in other breaths you simply breathe into the top of your lungs. Observe that your exhale is naturally longer in length than your inhale. Just spend 5 to 10 minutes observing your breathing, not trying to control or change it but simply just trying to remain in awareness of your breath. If your mind wanders and you find you are thinking of something other than your breath, that's okay. Just gently re-direct your focus and awareness to your breathing. Be gentle with yourself, as if you are reminding a child who has been distracted to get back to their task. Just simply spend some time in awareness of your breath. Repeat this throughout the next couple of days. Even when you are busy, take a moment to notice your breathing and how it is changed based on how you feel, what you are doing, who you are around. Make an effort over the next few days to simply bring awareness to the act of breathing, which is something we normally do without notice or thought.
For Young Children (or for the young at heart!)
Sit cross-legged. Place your hands on your chest and simply notice how your chest moves up and down with each inhale and exhale. Do this for a couple minutes. Next, lay down flat on your back. Place a small stuffed animal on your belly. Notice how it moves up and down with each exhale and inhale. Try to remain focused on moving your toy up and down by simply breathing in and out as long as you can, up to 5 minutes.
Friday, April 19, 2013
A Spell For Balance
Air Element Studies, Lesson Two
Air Pollution and What We Can Do about it.
A Spell For Balance
by Starhawk, from "The Earth Path"
"When you are faced with a choice to do something small in service of the Earth that requires some sacrifice [or change] on your part, stop first, breathe and ground and say;
"I offer up this (walk, bus ride, effort of recycling, creation of a compost pile, money spent on an energy saving light bulb... etc.) to the greater balance and healing of the Earth. Let this small act be like a ripple that grows into a wide circle as it moves outward, leading to greater change. With every breath in as I (walk, ride, compost, enjoy the light...etc), I will remember my gratitude to the ancestors for the miracle gift of air. With every breath out I will renew my love and commitment to the balance"."
If you haven't yet, choose something you can do to help prevent and clean up air pollution. Make a commitment to do it, say this prayer, and remember to breathe in and out slowly and feel gratitude, respect, balance, and intention every time you do whatever it is you have chosen. No matter how small it seems, it is an act to restore balance and show your love for the Earth and respect to your Ancestors.
This is one small thing I have done so far. I bought a second trash can for my kitchen, and I labeled it so my kids know to use it for items that can be recycled. This helps them remember to sort the recyclables from the regular trash, which means we should be recycling a little bit more every week! I am going to say the above prayer every time I empty this trash bin into our Recycling Collection bin that the city provides for us.
Monday, February 4, 2013
FlyLady - Pagan Style; Baby Steps Day 31
As you may have noticed, I have been posting the FlyLady 31 Baby Steps and my thoughts on them.
I have been adding my thoughts on how cleaning your house, even the simple
stuff, can be part of a spiritual devotion, and how the babysteps and the
FlyLady program encourage you to think positive about yourself, your home, your
habits - all to make life a little easier and better for you!
Today is Day 31 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Today is Day 31 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Morning Routine
- Make Your Bed!
- Get up and get dressed to lace-up shoes; fixing your hair and face
- Swish and Swipe
- What's For Dinner?
- Drink Water, take your vitamins
- Look at your posted reminders in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Recognize the negative voices and change them. Remember, you are FLYing now!
- Put out your Hot Spots for two minutes
- Check Your Laundry
- Five-minute Room Rescue (pick any room in the house). Set your timer and go!
- Spend 15 Minutes decluttering each day. You can’t organize clutter!
Afternoon Routine
- Check Kid's Backpacks for Flyers, News, Homework, etc.
- Homework Time
- Guide kids to do their daily chores
- Drink more water
- Check Hot Spots again
- See more ideas for building your Afternoon Routine Here!
Before-Bed Routine
- Keep your sink shining
- Check Your Laundry
- Drink More Water
- What's for Dinner?
- Lay out your clothes for tomorrow
- Put out your Hot Spot. It will make you happy in the morning!
- Go to bed at a decent hour! Set a bedtime and stick with it!
Sunday, February 3, 2013
FlyLady, Pagan Style - Babysteps Day 30
As you may have noticed, I have been posting the FlyLady 31 Baby Steps and my thoughts on them.
I have been adding my thoughts on how cleaning your house, even the simple
stuff, can be part of a spiritual devotion, and how the babysteps and the
FlyLady program encourage you to think positive about yourself, your home, your
habits - all to make life a little easier and better for you!
Today is Day 30 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Today is Day 30 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Morning Routine
- Make Your Bed!
- Get up and get dressed to lace-up shoes; fixing your hair and face
- Swish and Swipe
- What's For Dinner?
- Drink your Water, take your Vitamins
- Look at your posted reminders in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Recognize the negative voices and change them. Remember, you are FLYing now!
- Put out your Hot Spots for two minutes
- Check Your Laundry
- Five-minute Room Rescue (pick any room in the house). Set your timer and go!
- Spend 15 Minutes decluttering each day. You can’t organize clutter!
Afternoon Routine
- Check Kid's Backpacks for Flyers, News, Homework, etc.
- Homework Time
- Guide kids to do their daily chores
- Drink more water!
- Check Hot Spots again
- See more ideas for building your Afternoon Routine Here!
Before-Bed Routine
- Keep your sink shining
- Check Your Laundry
- What's For Dinner?
- Drink More water!
- Lay out your clothes for tomorrow
- Put out your Hot Spot. It will make you happy in the morning!
- Go to bed at a decent hour! Set a bedtime and stick with it!
Saturday, February 2, 2013
FlyLady - Pagan Style, BabySteps Day 29
As you may have noticed, I have been posting the FlyLady 31 Baby Steps and my thoughts on them.
I have been adding my thoughts on how cleaning your house, even the simple
stuff, can be part of a spiritual devotion, and how the babysteps and the
FlyLady program encourage you to think positive about yourself, your home, your
habits - all to make life a little easier and better for you!
Today is Day 29 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Today is Day 29 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Morning Routine
- Make Your Bed!
- Get up and get dressed to lace-up shoes; fixing your hair and face
- Swish and Swipe
- What's For Dinner?
- Drink Water, take your Vitamins
- Look at your posted reminders in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Recognize the negative voices and change them. Remember, you are FLYing now!
- Put out your Hot Spots for two minutes
- Check Your Laundry
- Five-minute Room Rescue (pick any room in the house). Set your timer and go!
- Spend 15 Minutes decluttering each day. You can’t organize clutter!
Afternoon Routine
- Check Kid's Backpacks for Flyers, News, Homework, etc.
- Homework Time
- Guide kids to do their daily chores
- Drink more water
- Check Hot Spots again
- See more ideas for building your Afternoon Routine Here!
Before-Bed Routine
- Keep your sink shining
- Check Your Laundry
- Drink more water
- What's For Dinner?
- Lay out your clothes for tomorrow
- Put out your Hot Spot. It will make you happy in the morning!
- Go to bed at a decent hour! Set a bedtime and stick with it!
Friday, February 1, 2013
FlyLady - Pagan Style; Take Care of YOU! Day 28
As you may have noticed, I have been posting the FlyLady 31 Baby Steps and my thoughts on them.
I have been adding my thoughts on how cleaning your house, even the simple
stuff, can be part of a spiritual devotion, and how the babysteps and the
FlyLady program encourage you to think positive about yourself, your home, your
habits - all to make life a little easier and better for you!
Today is Day 28 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Today is Day 28 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Morning Routine
- Make Your Bed!
- Get up and get dressed to lace-up shoes; fixing your hair and face
- Look at your posted reminders in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Swish and Swipe
- What's For Dinner?
- Drink Water, Take your Vitamins *
- Recognize the negative voices and change them. Remember, you are FLYing now!
- Put out your Hot Spots for two minutes
- Check Your Laundry
- Five-minute Room Rescue (pick any room in the house). Set your timer and go!
- Spend 15 Minutes decluttering each day. You can’t organize clutter!
Afternoon Routine
- Check Kid's Backpacks for Flyers, News, Homework, etc.
- Homework Time
- Guide kids to do their daily chores
- Drink more water! *
- Check Hot Spots again
- See more ideas for building your Afternoon Routine Here!
Before-Bed Routine
- Keep your sink shining
- Check Your Laundry
- Drink more water! *
- What's For Dinner?
- Lay out your clothes for tomorrow
- Put out your Hot Spot. It will make you happy in the morning!
- Go to bed at a decent hour! Set a bedtime and stick with it!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
FlyLady- Pagan Style; What's For Dinner (Day 27)
As you may have noticed, I have been posting the FlyLady 31 Baby Steps and my thoughts on them.
I have been adding my thoughts on how cleaning your house, even the simple
stuff, can be part of a spiritual devotion, and how the babysteps and the
FlyLady program encourage you to think positive about yourself, your home, your
habits - all to make life a little easier and better for you!
Today is Day 27 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Before you go to bed at night, ask yourself, what is for dinner tomorrow night? Do you need to take anything out of the freezer to defrost? Take it out before you go to bed. Will you need anything from the store? Write it down where you will be able to see your reminder in the morning.
When you get up in the morning, ask yourself "What's For Dinner tonite?". Did you take it out of the freezer to thaw? Do you need to put it in the crockpot? Is there anything you need from the store? Is there any other prep work for dinner you can do during the day that will save you time and stress later in the evening?
Today is Day 27 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Morning Routine
- Make Your Bed!
- Get up and get dressed to lace-up shoes; fixing your hair and face
- Swish and Swipe
- Look at your posted reminders in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Recognize the negative voices and change them. Remember, you are FLYing now!
- Put out your Hot Spots for two minutes
- Check Your Laundry
- What's For Dinner Tonite?*
- Five-minute Room Rescue (pick any room in the house). Set your timer and go!
- Spend 15 Minutes decluttering each day. You can’t organize clutter!
Afternoon Routine
- Check Kid's Backpacks for Flyers, News, Homework, etc.
- Homework Time
- Guide kids to do their daily chores
- Check Hot Spots again
- See more ideas for building your Afternoon Routine Here!
Before-Bed Routine
- Keep your sink shining
- Check Your Laundry
- What's For Dinner Tomorrow? *
- Lay out your clothes for tomorrow
- Put out your Hot Spot. It will make you happy in the morning!
- Go to bed at a decent hour! Set a bedtime and stick with it!
Before you go to bed at night, ask yourself, what is for dinner tomorrow night? Do you need to take anything out of the freezer to defrost? Take it out before you go to bed. Will you need anything from the store? Write it down where you will be able to see your reminder in the morning.
When you get up in the morning, ask yourself "What's For Dinner tonite?". Did you take it out of the freezer to thaw? Do you need to put it in the crockpot? Is there anything you need from the store? Is there any other prep work for dinner you can do during the day that will save you time and stress later in the evening?
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
FlyLady - Pagan Style; Babysteps Day 26
As you may have noticed, I have been posting the FlyLady 31 Baby Steps and my thoughts on them.
I have been adding my thoughts on how cleaning your house, even the simple
stuff, can be part of a spiritual devotion, and how the babysteps and the
FlyLady program encourage you to think positive about yourself, your home, your
habits - all to make life a little easier and better for you!
Today is Day 26 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Today is Day 26 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Morning Routine
- Make Your Bed!
- Get up and get dressed to lace-up shoes; fixing your hair and face
- Swish and Swipe
- Look at your posted reminders in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Recognize the negative voices and change them. Remember, you are FLYing now!
- Put out your Hot Spots for two minutes
- Check Your Laundry
- Five-minute Room Rescue (pick any room in the house). Set your timer and go!
- Spend 15 Minutes decluttering each day. You can’t organize clutter!
Afternoon Routine
- Check Kid's Backpacks for Flyers, News, Homework, etc.
- Homework Time
- Guide kids to do their daily chores
- Check Hot Spots again
- See more ideas for building your Afternoon Routine Here!
Before-Bed Routine
- Keep your sink shining
- Check Your Laundry
- Lay out your clothes for tomorrow
- Put out your Hot Spot. It will make you happy in the morning!
- Go to bed at a decent hour! Set a bedtime and stick with it!
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
FlyLady - Pagan Style. Babysteps Day 25
As you may have noticed, I have been posting the FlyLady 31 Baby Steps and my thoughts on them.
I have been adding my thoughts on how cleaning your house, even the simple
stuff, can be part of a spiritual devotion, and how the babysteps and the
FlyLady program encourage you to think positive about yourself, your home, your
habits - all to make life a little easier and better for you!
Today is Day 25 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
"You have only been doing your routines for 25 days now, and we are so proud of you. Keep in mind that you are not ever going to be perfect, and we don’t expect you to be. In fact we don’t even like that “P” word.
Right now you have your routines written down in your Control Journal. It will help you to practice them each day. These habits are not automatic yet, so you are still going to have to use your Control Journal, sticky notes, and our reminders to help you establish your habits. Another tool you have is your calendar and stickers. We love giving ourselves a sticker when we are establishing a habit!
A lot has been thrown at you in the last 25 days, but don’t give up now. Every time you do your routine, you are one step closer to developing your habit and running on automatic pilot. Today, read FlyLady’s personal testimonial on how she started developing her routines one habit at a time. Just so you know, it took her several months to do this; nobody expects you to have your routines accomplished in just one month of BabySteps! Be nice to yourself and don’t beat yourself up. Your consistent BabySteps will get you there.
Now go give yourself a gold star for doing your Morning Routine!"
Read FlyLady's Personal Testimonial!
Today is Day 25 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Morning Routine
- Make Your Bed!
- Get up and get dressed to lace-up shoes; fixing your hair and face
- Swish and Swipe
- Look at your posted reminders in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Recognize the negative voices and change them. Remember, you are FLYing now!
- Put out your Hot Spots for two minutes
- Check Your Laundry
- Five-minute Room Rescue (pick any room in the house). Set your timer and go!
- Spend 15 Minutes decluttering each day. You can’t organize clutter!
Afternoon Routine
- Check Kid's Backpacks for Flyers, News, Homework, etc.
- Homework Time
- Guide kids to do their daily chores
- Check Hot Spots again
- See more ideas for building your Afternoon Routine Here!
Before-Bed Routine
- Keep your sink shining
- Check Your Laundry
- Lay out your clothes for tomorrow
- Put out your Hot Spot. It will make you happy in the morning!
- Go to bed at a decent hour! Set a bedtime and stick with it!
"You have only been doing your routines for 25 days now, and we are so proud of you. Keep in mind that you are not ever going to be perfect, and we don’t expect you to be. In fact we don’t even like that “P” word.
Right now you have your routines written down in your Control Journal. It will help you to practice them each day. These habits are not automatic yet, so you are still going to have to use your Control Journal, sticky notes, and our reminders to help you establish your habits. Another tool you have is your calendar and stickers. We love giving ourselves a sticker when we are establishing a habit!
A lot has been thrown at you in the last 25 days, but don’t give up now. Every time you do your routine, you are one step closer to developing your habit and running on automatic pilot. Today, read FlyLady’s personal testimonial on how she started developing her routines one habit at a time. Just so you know, it took her several months to do this; nobody expects you to have your routines accomplished in just one month of BabySteps! Be nice to yourself and don’t beat yourself up. Your consistent BabySteps will get you there.
Now go give yourself a gold star for doing your Morning Routine!"
Read FlyLady's Personal Testimonial!
Monday, January 28, 2013
FlyLady - Pagan Style; Swish & Swipe (day 24)
As you may have noticed, I have been posting the FlyLady 31 Baby Steps and my thoughts on them.
I have been adding my thoughts on how cleaning your house, even the simple
stuff, can be part of a spiritual devotion, and how the babysteps and the
FlyLady program encourage you to think positive about yourself, your home, your
habits - all to make life a little easier and better for you!
Today is Day 24 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
In Feng-Shui, the bathrooms are an important room to keep clean. A dirty bathroom blocks positive chi (energy flow) from flowing throughout the home, while a clean bathroom brings positive Chi and also attracts wealth and financial flow. According to Feng-Shui, if we keep our bathrooms clean, tidy, and in good working order, our entire home can have a more positive energy flow and better financial health! Adding this simple "Swish and Swipe" to our Daily Routine can help us easily maintain the positive feng-shui of our bathrooms! And we won't have to apologize if we have unexpected guests!
(Sorry I missed a couple days of posting babysteps! Instead of skipping the days I missed I am going to take FlyLady's advice to heart... she says "You're not behind! Just keep going!" So I will continue from where I left off and we'll get back to it!)
Today is Day 24 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Morning Routine
- Make Your Bed!
- Get up and get dressed to lace-up shoes; fixing your hair and face
- Look at your posted reminders in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Swish and Swipe*
- Recognize the negative voices and change them. Remember, you are FLYing now!
- Put out your Hot Spots for two minutes
- Check Your Laundry
- Five-minute Room Rescue (pick any room in the house). Set your timer and go!
- Spend 15 Minutes decluttering each day. You can’t organize clutter!
Afternoon Routine
- Check Kid's Backpacks for Flyers, News, Homework, etc.
- Homework Time
- Guide kids to do their daily chores
- Check Hot Spots again
- See more ideas for building your Afternoon Routine Here!
Before-Bed Routine
- Keep your sink shining
- Check Your Laundry
- Lay out your clothes for tomorrow
- Put out your Hot Spot. It will make you happy in the morning!
- Go to bed at a decent hour! Set a bedtime and stick with it!
In Feng-Shui, the bathrooms are an important room to keep clean. A dirty bathroom blocks positive chi (energy flow) from flowing throughout the home, while a clean bathroom brings positive Chi and also attracts wealth and financial flow. According to Feng-Shui, if we keep our bathrooms clean, tidy, and in good working order, our entire home can have a more positive energy flow and better financial health! Adding this simple "Swish and Swipe" to our Daily Routine can help us easily maintain the positive feng-shui of our bathrooms! And we won't have to apologize if we have unexpected guests!
(Sorry I missed a couple days of posting babysteps! Instead of skipping the days I missed I am going to take FlyLady's advice to heart... she says "You're not behind! Just keep going!" So I will continue from where I left off and we'll get back to it!)
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
FlyLady - Pagan Style - Babysteps Day 23
As you may have noticed, I have been posting the FlyLady 31 Baby Steps and my thoughts on them.
I have been adding my thoughts on how cleaning your house, even the simple
stuff, can be part of a spiritual devotion, and how the babysteps and the
FlyLady program encourage you to think positive about yourself, your home, your
habits - all to make life a little easier and better for you!
Today is Day 23 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Once again, don't let your Perfectionism drag you down! Don't add too much to your Afternoon Routine at first, you don't want to overwhelm yourself with these grand ideas of how things will go on the perfect day! Most days aren't going to be perfect! It's nice to have a list, but don't let yourself get caught up in feeling like you HAVE to do it exactly like this every day! The reminders in your Control Journal are there to help you know where to start, to keep you on track... NOT to imprison you or make you feel bad!
Keep on thinking positive, using affirmations to reverse those negative thoughts, and doing your best!
Today is Day 23 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Morning Routine
- Make Your Bed!
- Get up and get dressed to lace-up shoes; fixing your hair and face
- Look at your posted reminders in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Recognize the negative voices and change them. Remember, you are FLYing now!
- Put out your Hot Spots for two minutes
- Check Your Laundry
- Five-minute Room Rescue (pick any room in the house). Set your timer and go!
- Spend 15 Minutes decluttering each day. You can’t organize clutter!
Afternoon Routine
- Check Kid's Backpacks for Flyers, News, Homework, etc.
- Homework Time
- Guide kids to do their daily chores
- Check Hot Spots again
- See more ideas for building your Afternoon Routine Here!
Before-Bed Routine
- Keep your sink shining
- Check Your Laundry
- Lay out your clothes for tomorrow
- Put out your Hot Spot. It will make you happy in the morning!
- Go to bed at a decent hour! Set a bedtime and stick with it!
Once again, don't let your Perfectionism drag you down! Don't add too much to your Afternoon Routine at first, you don't want to overwhelm yourself with these grand ideas of how things will go on the perfect day! Most days aren't going to be perfect! It's nice to have a list, but don't let yourself get caught up in feeling like you HAVE to do it exactly like this every day! The reminders in your Control Journal are there to help you know where to start, to keep you on track... NOT to imprison you or make you feel bad!
Keep on thinking positive, using affirmations to reverse those negative thoughts, and doing your best!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
FlyLady - Pagan Style - Babysteps Day 22
As you may have noticed, I have been posting the FlyLady 31 Baby Steps and my thoughts on them.
I have been adding my thoughts on how cleaning your house, even the simple
stuff, can be part of a spiritual devotion, and how the babysteps and the
FlyLady program encourage you to think positive about yourself, your home, your
habits - all to make life a little easier and better for you!
Today is Day 22 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Today is Day 22 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Morning Routine
- Make Your Bed!
- Get up and get dressed to lace-up shoes; fixing your hair and face
- Look at your posted reminders in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Recognize the negative voices and change them. Remember, you are FLYing now!
- Put out your Hot Spots for two minutes
- Check Your Laundry
- Five-minute Room Rescue (pick any room in the house). Set your timer and go!
- Spend 15 Minutes decluttering each day. You can’t organize clutter!
Before-Bed Routine
- Keep your sink shining
- Check Your Laundry
- Lay out your clothes for tomorrow
- Put out your Hot Spot. It will make you happy in the morning!
- Go to bed at a decent hour! Set a bedtime and stick with it!
Monday, January 21, 2013
FlyLady - Pagan Style - BabySteps Day 21
In continuing with FlyLady's Babysteps, here is today's babystep!
Morning Routine
- Make Your Bed!
- Get up and get dressed to lace-up shoes; fixing your hair and face
- Look at your posted reminders in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Recognize the negative voices and change them. Remember, you are FLYing now!
- Put out your Hot Spots for two minutes
- Check Your Laundry
- Five-minute Room Rescue (pick any room in the house). Set your timer and go!
- Spend 15 Minutes decluttering each day. You can’t organize clutter!
Before-Bed Routine
- Keep your sink shining
- Check Your Laundry
- Lay out your clothes for tomorrow
- Put out your Hot Spot. It will make you happy in the morning!
- Go to bed at a decent hour! Set a bedtime and stick with it!
Today FlyLady introduces us to her "Ask FlyLady" section of her website. Followers can send FlyLady an e-mail and she answers them. It's great to hear from others, many who might experience the same troubles that you do! FlyLady offers some perspective, encouragement, advice, and motivation... these are great to read when you are feeling a little overwhelmed or have lost your positive vibe! Check it out!
Keep up the good work! Here is a lovely meditation for releasing the past and embracing new healthy habits!
Saturday, January 19, 2013
FlyLady - Pagan Style -Babysteps Day 20
As you may have noticed, I have been posting the FlyLady 31 Baby Steps and my thoughts on them.
I have been adding my thoughts on how cleaning your house, even the simple
stuff, can be part of a spiritual devotion, and how the babysteps and the
FlyLady program encourage you to think positive about yourself, your home, your
habits - all to make life a little easier and better for you!
Today is Day 20 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Keep working on building those habits and making better routines for yourself and your home! Keep up the good work!
Oh... yes... Day 18 and Day 19 are missing. You noticed that, did you? Good job! I was busy, sorry I missed them! But you can click the links above and find them on the FlyLady website!
Today is Day 20 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Morning Routine
- Make Your Bed!
- Get up and get dressed to lace-up shoes; fixing your hair and face
- Look at your posted reminders in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Recognize the negative voices and change them. Remember, you are FLYing now!
- Put out your Hot Spots for two minutes
- Check Your Laundry
- Five-minute Room Rescue (pick any room in the house). Set your timer and go!
- Spend 15 Minutes decluttering each day. You can’t organize clutter!
Before-Bed Routine
- Keep your sink shining
- Check Your Laundry
- Lay out your clothes for tomorrow
- Put out your Hot Spot. It will make you happy in the morning!
- Go to bed at a decent hour! Set a bedtime and stick with it!
Keep working on building those habits and making better routines for yourself and your home! Keep up the good work!
Oh... yes... Day 18 and Day 19 are missing. You noticed that, did you? Good job! I was busy, sorry I missed them! But you can click the links above and find them on the FlyLady website!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
FlyLady - Pagan Style; Get Enough Sleep!
As you may have noticed, I have been posting the FlyLady 31 Baby Steps and my thoughts on them.
I have been adding my thoughts on how cleaning your house, even the simple
stuff, can be part of a spiritual devotion, and how the babysteps and the
FlyLady program encourage you to think positive about yourself, your home, your
habits - all to make life a little easier and better for you!
Today is Day 17 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
From a Pagan/Witchy perspective, I think our time spent sleeping, in itself is a magickal thing. It is a time for our bodies to heal and rejuvenate. It is a time for our mind to rest. It is a time for our spirit to be free! Many magickal things can happen to our spirit while we sleep! We can receive special dreams, we can have visits from loved ones or astrally travel to different places (even if we don't remember those, they happen!) We sometimes receive spiritual lessons from our angels and spirit guides in our sleep! Again, we might not remember these... it's like a file was downloaded to our system and then once we are awake, we have to be open enough to receiving the message before we can find the file! Otherwise the "file" is stored for when we are ready!
If we aren't giving our self enough time asleep, what might we be missing?!
Last year I read this amazing book, called The Tibetan Yogas of Dream and Sleep. It deals with some more complex aspects of Buddhism and Yoga, but it's written in a way that is easy to understand and gives some great insights as to how important our sleep cycles are and how to make our sleep cycles a part of our spiritual practice.
Here is a great video by the author of the above mentioned book!
I know as a Pagan, it's hard to set a regular bedtime also because so much of our ritual work is done at night time! We wait until the moon has risen high in the sky to get the full energy effect of some of our rituals! For Pagans, our spiritual time isn't at 10 am on Sunday mornings! It's anytime.... but preferably at night for many reasons!! So sticking to a regular bedtime just isn't part of our spiritual path... and that's okay! The key here is to forgive yourself on the nights you DO stay up late, but on the nights you don't have to stay up, don't! Don't just stay up late for no reason! Recognize that sleep can be a magickal time as well as the times you are awake, invoking the moon!
Getting yourself on a regular sleep schedule can be hard! But if you are consistent, you can reset your inner clock. Part of what's great about the FlyLady routines is that you develop a routine of things you do before bed. Once those routines are done consistently, your body knows that when these things are done, it's time for sleep! Even if you don't do your before bed routine, just consistently going to bed and getting up at the same times will help you retrain your body, mind, and spirit! I found this excellent article with some very practical tips on how to get enough sleep, it is worth looking at to see if you can make some changes that will help you fall asleep easier!
http://healthylifejournal.org/healthy-living/how-to-get-enough-sleep-at-night/
Today is Day 17 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Morning Routine
- Make Your Bed!
- Get up and get dressed to lace-up shoes; fixing your hair and face
- Look at your posted reminders in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Recognize the negative voices and change them. Remember, you are FLYing now!
- Put out your Hot Spots for two minutes
- Five-minute Room Rescue (pick any room in the house). Set your timer and go!
- Spend 15 Minutes decluttering each day. You can’t organize clutter!
Before-Bed Routine
- Keep your sink shining
- Lay out your clothes for tomorrow
- Put out your Hot Spot. It will make you happy in the morning!
- Go to bed at a decent hour! Set a bedtime and stick with it!
From a Pagan/Witchy perspective, I think our time spent sleeping, in itself is a magickal thing. It is a time for our bodies to heal and rejuvenate. It is a time for our mind to rest. It is a time for our spirit to be free! Many magickal things can happen to our spirit while we sleep! We can receive special dreams, we can have visits from loved ones or astrally travel to different places (even if we don't remember those, they happen!) We sometimes receive spiritual lessons from our angels and spirit guides in our sleep! Again, we might not remember these... it's like a file was downloaded to our system and then once we are awake, we have to be open enough to receiving the message before we can find the file! Otherwise the "file" is stored for when we are ready!
If we aren't giving our self enough time asleep, what might we be missing?!
Last year I read this amazing book, called The Tibetan Yogas of Dream and Sleep. It deals with some more complex aspects of Buddhism and Yoga, but it's written in a way that is easy to understand and gives some great insights as to how important our sleep cycles are and how to make our sleep cycles a part of our spiritual practice.
I know as a Pagan, it's hard to set a regular bedtime also because so much of our ritual work is done at night time! We wait until the moon has risen high in the sky to get the full energy effect of some of our rituals! For Pagans, our spiritual time isn't at 10 am on Sunday mornings! It's anytime.... but preferably at night for many reasons!! So sticking to a regular bedtime just isn't part of our spiritual path... and that's okay! The key here is to forgive yourself on the nights you DO stay up late, but on the nights you don't have to stay up, don't! Don't just stay up late for no reason! Recognize that sleep can be a magickal time as well as the times you are awake, invoking the moon!
Getting yourself on a regular sleep schedule can be hard! But if you are consistent, you can reset your inner clock. Part of what's great about the FlyLady routines is that you develop a routine of things you do before bed. Once those routines are done consistently, your body knows that when these things are done, it's time for sleep! Even if you don't do your before bed routine, just consistently going to bed and getting up at the same times will help you retrain your body, mind, and spirit! I found this excellent article with some very practical tips on how to get enough sleep, it is worth looking at to see if you can make some changes that will help you fall asleep easier!
http://healthylifejournal.org/healthy-living/how-to-get-enough-sleep-at-night/
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
FlyLady - Pagan Style - BabySteps Day 16
As you may have noticed, I have been posting the FlyLady 31 Baby Steps and my
thoughts on them. I have been adding my thoughts on how cleaning your house,
even the simple stuff, can be part of a spiritual devotion, and how the
babysteps and the FlyLady program encourage you to think positive about
yourself, your home, your habits - all to make life a little easier and better
for you!
Today is Day 15 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
I thought I would share this one. This is her most recent essay, I found it right on the front page of her website. It's about our attitudes and how our words effect others... but it's also about the importance of getting enough sleep! I read this as I am sitting here at my computer at 10:35 pm... it's a good reminder for me and I needed to hear it! I am making healthy changes in my life but I still resist going to bed at a decent hour! This is something I need to work on! So here is the inspirational essay for you to read... enjoy it and have a look at her website for some more great motivational and inspirational posts! Sometimes we just need a little encouragement, or some outside perspective to get us thinking!
Dear Friends,
What is it about out busy lives that cause us to spout angry words like a geyser? At the drop of a hat we can spew nastiness all over our loved ones, friends and even total strangers.
There are times when we receive venomous replies to one of my essays or about a member of my trusted FLY Crew. I have learned to delete these without a reply. I don’t choose to argue with the FlyBaby because it will not accomplish the lesson I feel really needs to be addressed. That lesson is why we can lash out that those we love with a vicious tongue and not realize the damage we are doing to our babies and our relationships. I also want to look at the so-called reasons we feel that it is acceptable to do this.
I have heard every excuse in the world for the angry words that come from our mouths. They start with, I had a bad day, I didn’t get much sleep and the worst is you made me do it. This excuse is no different from the abusive husband who blames his wife because he hit her.
I will never forget a testimonial we received from a mother who sent her child out into the world with angry words ringing in his ears. Those angry words were the last words he ever heard from his mother because he was killed when a car ran over him. There is no excuse for ever letting abusive language to hurt anyone.
Think back to when you were a child. Can you remember some hurtful words that were yelled at you in anger? When a room full of people of all ages was asked this question they could recount the event as if it were yesterday. Angry words linger and fester! They cannot be taken back. They leave your lips and scare people for life!
I want to get to the bottom of this ILL behavior. This is just what it is! I think it is because you are not getting your nap out. We all know how our babies act when they have not had their naps. Well sisters your sleep patterns are becoming more and more in the news lately. Lack of sleep makes us cranky, angry, fat, sick, sidetracked, and unable to concentrate. These are some of the symptoms we experience from our inability to go to bed, shut our brains off and get the rest that our bodies need.
Just last night on the news I heard a report on sleep apnea in children and adults. It said that many people who are diagnosed with ADD have sleep problems and when these problems are address the ADD symptoms go away in 75% of the people tested.
I have a dear friend who has not had a good night sleep in 25 years. As a result she was not a morning person. So much so that she is not allowed to get up till the babies go to school. She decided that she needed to be more efficient in her work day and went to the doctor to get some help. She had tried almost every thing known to help her sleep. Nothing had worked. With her doctor recommendation he put her on a medication to help her get a continuous night’s sleep. This means good REM (rapid eye movement) sleep or dream sleep.
I have another friend who did a sleep study. They found that he had sleep apnea and was recommend to sleep with a cpap machine. This is a machine that blows air to keep airways open. He gets a good nights sleep now with the help of this machine. My next example is of myself. I am a very light sleeper. For over ten year with my husband’s recommendation, I have been wearing ear plugs each night. These earplugs keep me from hearing every little noise in the house from our animals to Robert getting up in the morning. I have started to dream again and feel refreshed when I get up in the morning. Not everyone can do this because of being alone in the house or having babies. Another thing that works to disguise the household noises is a white noise machine.
Now let’s look at what happens around you when you have this ILL attitude: Your children run for cover, your husband has learned to ignore you and your co-workers give you a wide berth. Then you compound the lack of good sleep with the stress that we place on ourselves with perfectionism. It’s a wonder we can stand ourselves. You know that may be real problem.
When we don’t like ourselves, we don’t do what we need to do to stop this vicious cycle of NO SLEEP, STRESS and SOUR Attitudes. I think the answer to this major problem is love. When you love yourself enough to find the answers, go to bed at a decent hour and figure out why we can’t sleep when we do go to bed; this is when we are FLYing (Finally Loving Yourself).
I want you to find peace. We can’t have this peace if we are lashing out at our family in anger. The whole time I have been writing this essay, I have had a song running though my head. It was a song we sang in Sunday School. Please check your tongue and your fingertips to stop angry words from hurting others.
Words can me KIND or MEAN; the CHOICE is yours in 2013!
FlyLady
“Angry Words” by H.R Palmer
Angry words! O let them never
From the tongue unbridled slip;
May the heart’s best impulse ever
Check them ere they soil the lip.
Love is much too pure and holy,
Friendship is too sacred far,
For a moments reckless folly
Thus to desolate and mar.
Angry words are lightly spoken,
Bitt’rest tho’ts are rashly stirred,
Brightest links of life are broken
By a single angry word.
Today is Day 15 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Morning Routine
- Make Your Bed!
- Get up and get dressed to lace-up shoes; fixing your hair and face
- Look at your posted reminders in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Recognize the negative voices and change them. Remember, you are FLYing now!
- Put out your Hot Spots for two minutes
- Five-minute Room Rescue (pick any room in the house). Set your timer and go!
- Spend 15 Minutes decluttering each day. You can’t organize clutter!
Before-Bed Routine
- Keep your sink shining
- Lay out your clothes for tomorrow
- Put out your Hot Spot. It will make you happy in the morning!
I thought I would share this one. This is her most recent essay, I found it right on the front page of her website. It's about our attitudes and how our words effect others... but it's also about the importance of getting enough sleep! I read this as I am sitting here at my computer at 10:35 pm... it's a good reminder for me and I needed to hear it! I am making healthy changes in my life but I still resist going to bed at a decent hour! This is something I need to work on! So here is the inspirational essay for you to read... enjoy it and have a look at her website for some more great motivational and inspirational posts! Sometimes we just need a little encouragement, or some outside perspective to get us thinking!
Angry Words
Dear Friends,
What is it about out busy lives that cause us to spout angry words like a geyser? At the drop of a hat we can spew nastiness all over our loved ones, friends and even total strangers.
There are times when we receive venomous replies to one of my essays or about a member of my trusted FLY Crew. I have learned to delete these without a reply. I don’t choose to argue with the FlyBaby because it will not accomplish the lesson I feel really needs to be addressed. That lesson is why we can lash out that those we love with a vicious tongue and not realize the damage we are doing to our babies and our relationships. I also want to look at the so-called reasons we feel that it is acceptable to do this.
I have heard every excuse in the world for the angry words that come from our mouths. They start with, I had a bad day, I didn’t get much sleep and the worst is you made me do it. This excuse is no different from the abusive husband who blames his wife because he hit her.
I will never forget a testimonial we received from a mother who sent her child out into the world with angry words ringing in his ears. Those angry words were the last words he ever heard from his mother because he was killed when a car ran over him. There is no excuse for ever letting abusive language to hurt anyone.
Think back to when you were a child. Can you remember some hurtful words that were yelled at you in anger? When a room full of people of all ages was asked this question they could recount the event as if it were yesterday. Angry words linger and fester! They cannot be taken back. They leave your lips and scare people for life!
I want to get to the bottom of this ILL behavior. This is just what it is! I think it is because you are not getting your nap out. We all know how our babies act when they have not had their naps. Well sisters your sleep patterns are becoming more and more in the news lately. Lack of sleep makes us cranky, angry, fat, sick, sidetracked, and unable to concentrate. These are some of the symptoms we experience from our inability to go to bed, shut our brains off and get the rest that our bodies need.
Just last night on the news I heard a report on sleep apnea in children and adults. It said that many people who are diagnosed with ADD have sleep problems and when these problems are address the ADD symptoms go away in 75% of the people tested.
I have a dear friend who has not had a good night sleep in 25 years. As a result she was not a morning person. So much so that she is not allowed to get up till the babies go to school. She decided that she needed to be more efficient in her work day and went to the doctor to get some help. She had tried almost every thing known to help her sleep. Nothing had worked. With her doctor recommendation he put her on a medication to help her get a continuous night’s sleep. This means good REM (rapid eye movement) sleep or dream sleep.
I have another friend who did a sleep study. They found that he had sleep apnea and was recommend to sleep with a cpap machine. This is a machine that blows air to keep airways open. He gets a good nights sleep now with the help of this machine. My next example is of myself. I am a very light sleeper. For over ten year with my husband’s recommendation, I have been wearing ear plugs each night. These earplugs keep me from hearing every little noise in the house from our animals to Robert getting up in the morning. I have started to dream again and feel refreshed when I get up in the morning. Not everyone can do this because of being alone in the house or having babies. Another thing that works to disguise the household noises is a white noise machine.
Now let’s look at what happens around you when you have this ILL attitude: Your children run for cover, your husband has learned to ignore you and your co-workers give you a wide berth. Then you compound the lack of good sleep with the stress that we place on ourselves with perfectionism. It’s a wonder we can stand ourselves. You know that may be real problem.
When we don’t like ourselves, we don’t do what we need to do to stop this vicious cycle of NO SLEEP, STRESS and SOUR Attitudes. I think the answer to this major problem is love. When you love yourself enough to find the answers, go to bed at a decent hour and figure out why we can’t sleep when we do go to bed; this is when we are FLYing (Finally Loving Yourself).
I want you to find peace. We can’t have this peace if we are lashing out at our family in anger. The whole time I have been writing this essay, I have had a song running though my head. It was a song we sang in Sunday School. Please check your tongue and your fingertips to stop angry words from hurting others.
Words can me KIND or MEAN; the CHOICE is yours in 2013!
FlyLady
“Angry Words” by H.R Palmer
Angry words! O let them never
From the tongue unbridled slip;
May the heart’s best impulse ever
Check them ere they soil the lip.
Love is much too pure and holy,
Friendship is too sacred far,
For a moments reckless folly
Thus to desolate and mar.
Angry words are lightly spoken,
Bitt’rest tho’ts are rashly stirred,
Brightest links of life are broken
By a single angry word.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
FlyLady - Pagan Style - Make Your Bed!
As you may have noticed, I have been posting the FlyLady 31 Baby Steps and my thoughts on them. I have been adding my thoughts on how cleaning your house, even the simple stuff, can be part of a spiritual devotion, and how the babysteps and the FlyLady program encourage you to think positive about yourself, your home, your habits - all to make life a little easier and better for you!
Today is Day 15 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Today's New BabyStep is to add "Make Your Bed" to your morning Routine. When our bed is made, we feel like our day is officially beginning! It reduces the temptation to just crawl back under the covers, and it makes the bed that much more welcoming at bedtime when we are done with our day and ready to go to sleep!
When I make my bed, I like to say a little blessing prayer for the day. I feel like when I make my bed, I am turning the page to a brand new day. I am saying "yesterday is over." and preparing to start a new day. Each day is a blank page, a fresh start in writing our story! Making the bed doesn't take long, but I love to take those few moments to take a deep breath, turn the page from yesterday to today, and say a blessing for the day ahead of me!
In ancient yogic traditions, as well as Buddhist teachings, we find a practice called "Mindfulness". It's about being fully aware of what you are doing in the present moment. Being aware of your actions, your feelings, and your intentions. Making your bed is a good place to start with practicing a few minutes a day of Mindful Awareness, and of Devoting some time to your Spiritual Practice.
Today is Day 15 of the BabySteps! So far we have developed a few simple habits of things to do on a daily basis; in the form of simple morning & evening routines. Our goal is to make these routines a habit... if we do them consistently enough then they just become second nature!
Morning Routine
- Make Your Bed!
- Get up and get dressed to lace-up shoes; fixing your hair and face
- Look at your posted reminders in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Recognize the negative voices and change them. Remember, you are FLYing now!
- Put out your Hot Spots for two minutes
- Five-minute Room Rescue (pick any room in the house). Set your timer and go!
- Spend 15 Minutes decluttering each day. You can’t organize clutter!
Before-Bed Routine
- Keep your sink shining
- Lay out your clothes for tomorrow
- Put out your Hot Spot. It will make you happy in the morning!
Today's New BabyStep is to add "Make Your Bed" to your morning Routine. When our bed is made, we feel like our day is officially beginning! It reduces the temptation to just crawl back under the covers, and it makes the bed that much more welcoming at bedtime when we are done with our day and ready to go to sleep!
When I make my bed, I like to say a little blessing prayer for the day. I feel like when I make my bed, I am turning the page to a brand new day. I am saying "yesterday is over." and preparing to start a new day. Each day is a blank page, a fresh start in writing our story! Making the bed doesn't take long, but I love to take those few moments to take a deep breath, turn the page from yesterday to today, and say a blessing for the day ahead of me!
In ancient yogic traditions, as well as Buddhist teachings, we find a practice called "Mindfulness". It's about being fully aware of what you are doing in the present moment. Being aware of your actions, your feelings, and your intentions. Making your bed is a good place to start with practicing a few minutes a day of Mindful Awareness, and of Devoting some time to your Spiritual Practice.
Monday, January 14, 2013
FlyLady - Pagan Style; BabySteps Day 12, 13, 14
For those of you who don't know what FlyLady is, it's an
inspirational website designed to help you clean and de-clutter your home and
your life. It helps you create routines that work for you, your lifestyle &
your family to help housekeeping become stress-free and something you just do
naturally and daily rather than something you put off until the last minute and
then stress about when you have company coming over.
I have felt for awhile now that many aspects of the FlyLady program can be applied in spiritual ways to those who consider themselves, Neo-Pagans, Kitchen Witches, Hearth Witches, Green Witches, etc. I will be going over some FlyLady basics here in my blog and writing about how they can be seen as a spiritual thing; not just a house-cleaning and organizing thing! If you missed it, check out my post called "FlyLady - Pagan Style; Welcome Letter"
When you start with FlyLady, there are 31 days of "Baby Steps" to help you slowly start to integrate small changes into your daily routines. It's about developing habits and changing your mind-set to a positive one!
I have felt for awhile now that many aspects of the FlyLady program can be applied in spiritual ways to those who consider themselves, Neo-Pagans, Kitchen Witches, Hearth Witches, Green Witches, etc. I will be going over some FlyLady basics here in my blog and writing about how they can be seen as a spiritual thing; not just a house-cleaning and organizing thing! If you missed it, check out my post called "FlyLady - Pagan Style; Welcome Letter"
When you start with FlyLady, there are 31 days of "Baby Steps" to help you slowly start to integrate small changes into your daily routines. It's about developing habits and changing your mind-set to a positive one!
BabySteps Day
12, 13, 14
Keep Doing what you have been doing! Our Babysteps are now broken down into Morning & Evening Routines!
Keep Doing what you have been doing! Our Babysteps are now broken down into Morning & Evening Routines!
Morning Routine;
Get dressed To Shoes!
Look at your posted reminders for the day.
Think Positive Thoughts! Check the FlyLady website for reminders, zone mission, motivation, etc.
Get dressed To Shoes!
Look at your posted reminders for the day.
Think Positive Thoughts! Check the FlyLady website for reminders, zone mission, motivation, etc.
Put out your Hot Spots for 2
minutes.
5 Minute Room Rescue.
5 Minute Room Rescue.
Declutter any room for 15
minutes.
Evening Routine;
Make sure your sink is shining!
Make sure your sink is shining!
2 minutes putting out your Hot
Spots.
Day 12's Baby Step - keep doing the routines already established! Don't let your perfectionism get in the way, it's about developing habits!
BabySteps Day 13 - Find The section of FlyLady that is called "Missions", or Find Kelly's Missions in the Daily Flightplan. These simple 15 minute missions give you a focus for the day, a task that is simple to do, and introduce you to FlyLady's "Zones"
Day 14's Baby Step - Keep doing the basic morning & evening routines. Check the FlyLady site or e-mails for Kelly's Zone Missions. FlyLady suggests that today you read Kelly's essay about using a calender. If you want, you can print it out and add it to your Control Journal.
Sorry I missed a couple days of posting the baby-steps here on my blog! I had a couple of busy days, and the 12th was my birthday- worked hard, partied hard! Yeah, I kinda fell off the babystep bandwagon myself for a couple days! But you know what? That's another great thing about FlyLady - we don't punish ourselves when we slip up, or fall behind. We just pick up wherever we were and keep moving. Sure if I miss a couple days of my routines it might take a few extra minutes to clear my hot spots and get my sink shining again! But that's okay! We do what we can! And the routines help us know exactly where to start and how to get back into the groove!
Friday, January 11, 2013
FlyLady - Pagan Syle - Babysteps Day 11
For those of you who don't know what FlyLady is, it's an
inspirational website designed to help you clean and de-clutter your home and
your life. It helps you create routines that work for you, your lifestyle &
your family to help housekeeping become stress-free and something you just do
naturally and daily rather than something you put off until the last minute and
then stress about when you have company coming over.
I have felt for awhile now that many aspects of the FlyLady program can be applied in spiritual ways to those who consider themselves, Neo-Pagans, Kitchen Witches, Hearth Witches, Green Witches, etc. I will be going over some FlyLady basics here in my blog and writing about how they can be seen as a spiritual thing; not just a house-cleaning and organizing thing! If you missed it, check out my post called "FlyLady - Pagan Style; Welcome Letter"
When you start with FlyLady, there are 31 days of "Baby Steps" to help you slowly start to integrate small changes into your daily routines. It's about developing habits and changing your mind-set to a positive one!
Add anything you have read, here or from the FlyLady website that reminds you what F.L.Y.ing is all about! You can even add a couple of your favorite spiritual affirmations. Make this a page you can turn to when you are feeling overwhelmed... a page that will remind you that you CAN turn things around, it starts with Loving yourself, and with just getting started!
Keep going with the babysteps... use your simple routines to know exactly how to start and finish your day! You've been doing great! The past 10 days have been simple but you have probably already noticed a difference in how you care for your home and yourself! I know I have!
I have felt for awhile now that many aspects of the FlyLady program can be applied in spiritual ways to those who consider themselves, Neo-Pagans, Kitchen Witches, Hearth Witches, Green Witches, etc. I will be going over some FlyLady basics here in my blog and writing about how they can be seen as a spiritual thing; not just a house-cleaning and organizing thing! If you missed it, check out my post called "FlyLady - Pagan Style; Welcome Letter"
When you start with FlyLady, there are 31 days of "Baby Steps" to help you slowly start to integrate small changes into your daily routines. It's about developing habits and changing your mind-set to a positive one!
BabySteps Day
11
Keep Doing what you have been doing! Our Babysteps are now broken down into Morning & Evening Routines!
Keep Doing what you have been doing! Our Babysteps are now broken down into Morning & Evening Routines!
Morning Routine;
Get dressed To Shoes!
Look at your posted reminders for the day.
Think Positive Thoughts! Check the FlyLady website for reminders, zone mission, motivation, etc.
Get dressed To Shoes!
Look at your posted reminders for the day.
Think Positive Thoughts! Check the FlyLady website for reminders, zone mission, motivation, etc.
Put out your Hot Spots for 2
minutes.
5 Minute Room Rescue.
5 Minute Room Rescue.
Declutter any room for 15
minutes.
Evening Routine;
Make sure your sink is shining!
Make sure your sink is shining!
2 minutes putting out your Hot
Spots.
Today we add an inspirational page to our Control Journal. If you are just getting started with making a Control Journal with Baby Steps, you just have 2 simple pages so far - the Morning Routine and the Evening Routine as posted above. These should be written in pencil at first so you can go back and adjust the routines as you go along.
Write on a new page a couple phrases you have read from FlyLady that inspire you. for example;
"Progress, not Perfection!"
"You can do anything for 15 minutes!"
"You can't organize clutter."
"You're not behind, you're just getting started!"
"You can do anything for 15 minutes!"
"You can't organize clutter."
"You're not behind, you're just getting started!"
Add anything you have read, here or from the FlyLady website that reminds you what F.L.Y.ing is all about! You can even add a couple of your favorite spiritual affirmations. Make this a page you can turn to when you are feeling overwhelmed... a page that will remind you that you CAN turn things around, it starts with Loving yourself, and with just getting started!
Keep going with the babysteps... use your simple routines to know exactly how to start and finish your day! You've been doing great! The past 10 days have been simple but you have probably already noticed a difference in how you care for your home and yourself! I know I have!
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