I can’t take credit for the title, it’s inspired by a youtube channel that I follow. In fact, most channels I watch on a daily basis, are all focused on slow living, cottage life or fairytale dreamers. Or people like me, who like to do witchy things sometimes.
I’m working on another post that will explain what Slow Living is, but the gist of it, is making more time for yourself and taking time out from the daily grind, to enjoy those little moments. No matter how many little moments you get each day to yourself.
What does that look like? Well, for me – now that spring is in full bloom, it’s become a little easier to do.
Green Space
Every morning, the first thing I do when I wake up, after general hygiene practices, is to wander sleepily into the kitchen and flip on the kettle for my tea or coffee. As I wait for the stainless steel kettle to beep, I check on my green altar space. Now, I call this an altar space but mainly it’s a place where I start my day, and can get centred.
There’s something so calming about inspecting green plants, ensuring they’ve had enough water, pruning off the dead or dry leaves. Though, the frustrating part here is that many of my plants are struggling. It’s really hot and dry here right now for this time of year. I think I need to bite the bullet and purchase some fertilizer to see if this helps.
Balcony garden
A couple of weeks ago for Beltane, a friend and I went to the local Home Depot to take advantage of an early flower basket sale. I picked up as you may remember, some purple petunias, some pink Dahlias, and a large pot of violas which start off white and then turn brilliant shades of violet. I also have a pot of pansies that are really struggling in this crazy wind we’re having. Alberta weather is not friendly for gardening.
Every morning, I will check on the flowers and move them around as needed or take in the cushions if it’s going to be a really windy day. I spend some time out in the sun, listening to the birds. If I’m up early enough, which doesn’t happen often anymore, I’ll sit and watch the sunrise. The world is quiet at 6 am and not many people around. I suppose it’s why I used to love getting up that early. That’s something I need to get back into but my sleep schedule is out of whack again. The heat doesn’t help.
On good days, I will then come back inside, eat my breakfast which usually consists of a combination of fruit, toast, eggs or oatmeal, a hot cup of coffee and drink my first litre of water for the day. I’m trying to drink at least 3 each day and that’s hard for me.
If it’s going to be a hot day, then I make sure all the windows and curtains are drawn by 10 am, and the fans are going to help keep it cool. It didn’t work today, and I’m melting currently. I’m a puddle.
Connection and always learning
Then I spend a bit of time responding to business for the day. Whether it’s personal emails, emails related to my benefits or comments on social media. I try not to spend too much time here, otherwise, you waste a few hours. While sipping my coffee, I’ll enjoy videos like these for inspiration on what I can do during the day.
I’ll spend a bit of time leaving comments on their videos to spread the love, do a bit of reading and maybe get started on a blog article. I have so many half written drafts and just haven’t been in the mood to finish them. Though, I am back to book writing and it’s going well.
Outdoor time
Every day, regardless of how I am feeling, I make the most effort to enjoy the sunshine. A few minutes outside as I wait for my kettle to boil and spend time with the flowers. Then I’ll pop out with my headphones in the afternoon if construction isn’t too noisy. And then I’ll head out again in the evening for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour or more on really warm nights.
If I’m sick, I’m sick. Like this morning I was having some stomach issues so that meant some time in bed. And on the weekend, it was a sinus/migraine thing. On those really bad days, which happen more than you’d think, I can’t even muster up enough energy for a shower. Baths can help but it’s so much work. So, I tend to just sleep and sleep. I slept 20 full hours the other day and it felt good.
But I try at least for 15 minutes to 30 minutes of outdoor time daily because it does help with the mood. I took this one a couple of weeks ago. Edited with clipart to hide location 🙂
Daily mindfulness practices
The rest of the day is spent in the kitchen with meal prepping. Though now that the weather is too hot for the oven, meals are usually salads, sandwiches, fresh fruit or vegetables. Anything I can buy premade from the deli that just gets heated up in the microwave.
I might listen to music while writing, or while outside and this helps me get in a calm headspace, especially for writing. Sometimes I’m listening to pop or pop rock music, sometimes acoustic folk and sometimes, some really deep meditative music to help me “zone out” for a little while.
I check in with my partner daily and while we don’t get much time for each other, we send morning messages, chat over lunch, and then again in the evenings. I check in on friends (when I remember to), and can be bad for not reaching out. Not because I don’t care, just because I’m used to being on my own. So sorry, if you haven’t heard from me.
I need to get back into doing readings, if not daily, at least a couple of times a week. If you’d like a reading done, let me know. This too, is a great way to decide what to focus on that day. You pull one card with your morning tea or coffee, meditate on it, and that will be your focus for either that day, or week. It’s up to you.
Writing and journaling
And lastly, I will spend time writing a little each day. Whether it’s a draft entry here, in my private journal, or to share with friends on social media. Or like now, as I try and work on my books on those good days. I can get lost for hours if not careful. Sometimes I have to set timed reminders to take breaks for water and food. It helps to have good people check in on you too.
Note: I pulled all my books from Smashwords in hopes of rewriting and reformatting since I’m constantly getting notices to do so. If you’re an editor and you’ve made it this far, let’s connect. I’ll need an open minded one soon!
How do you incorporate mindfulness in your daily life? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.
Related Posts
- Spring decor for welcoming positive energy
- How to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine
- Working with intentions instead of resolutions
- What is self-worth and how can we build on it?
- Mindfulness vs Mindlessness
Charmed Reflections 
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