Coming off an awesome week one of OYou Boot Camp, I found myself hitting a wall of reality. Life just seemed to be pummeling me this week. Stress from every corner and it felt as if I couldn’t catch my breath. It was hard to find a place of good energy flow. Wanting to shake all the negative, I realized it was time to set up my own “zen meditation station”.
Before I began, I asked myself what would make meditation easier for me? What do I find peaceful? The comforting thoughts flew. Classical music. Sunlight. Flowing water. Citrus smells. Trees. Fresh flowers. Comfy space. However, I can’t fit all that into my space and I wouldn’t want to…it would be way too overwhelming. So I decided to limit to four items that would represent the earth, fire, wind and water.
- Earth: Being that the mountains and trees always have a calming effect on me, I decided to find something that would remind me of this for my selection. I went with a household plant that has survived for many years and was passed down a generation. It also serves as a reminder that I am strong and can endure anything as long as my roots are grounded.
- Fire: I admit I took the easy road on this one and went with a larger spa scented candle. I placed it in the center. Closing my eyes it took me back to the seaside spa I use to frequent when I lived in California. The thought alone was enough to relieve a mound of stress.
- Wind: Although I have two great windows that let in an incredible sunlight for me, I have horrible allergies and this isn’t the time of year to open them up. Plus there’s no moment in the air expect lots of heat rising. I decided to set a small, quiet fan in the corner that would give off just enough of a breeze to simulate a calm wind.
- Water: This one was a little harder. I don’t have a zen waterfall or anything but felt as if I wanted something that would give me a similar feeling. So instead I took a silver shallow bowl and placed smooth rocks that I had collected from my neighborhood walks and my own front yard. I put them in the bowl and added enough water to almost cover them. They reminded me of the streams I’d come across when I hiked amongst the redwood trees…it was perfect and exactly what I was looking for.
It was important to me that I didn’t buy anything to make this space for myself. I knew I had plenty of things in my home that would evoke good memories and positive energy. It didn’t have to be difficult. In other words…I didn’t have to make it difficult.
After I had my four elements, I took a bit of time to declutter the space. I removed everything that I didn’t need and wouldn’t want to look at. The pile of books to the side was alright, but the stack of magazines had to go. Those were just reminders of feeling as if I never have any time. I wanted my space to be “stress-free”. All I had to do was add some quiet classical music in the background. I decided upon Bach. The space was perfect.
Now with a dedicated space for me time, I only hope that I remember to use it. So many times….like so many others, I put my needs at the end of the list. Although I have been a bit derailed this week, my older and wiser sister reminded me that we carry OYou Boot Camp lessons from each week with us as we move through this journey. No matter how hard this week has been on a personal level, it is important that I continue to carve out a small piece of quiet “me” time each day. Then, I can handle anything that comes…as my best self.