Yes it is almost time to turn back the clocks in the USA...not one of my favorite activities. Days are shorter and darker, and many studies show that this is a time when depression spikes. So, how can we shift our moods when all we feel like doing is binging on Netflix and eating bowls of popcorn?
As my friend Lavinia Errico (co-founder of Equinox) has said for years, exercise exercise exercise. Even turning on a song and dancing in your pjs can get the endorphins moving. One of the hardest things for me as I have been healing my broken shoulder, has been the lack of fun exercise that I used to do. Slowly I am adding more and more back into my life, and it makes me feel so much better.
Morning Pages: I love Julia Cameron’s morning pages from her book THE ARTIST’S WAY. Just sitting down in the morning and freewriting 3 pages can give the judgmental voices in your head a platform for dumping out their negative messages. Just write anything that comes to you without editing. Then, like emptying the trash, you will have more room in your brain to bring in the creative voices. For more exercises on accessing your creativity and intuition join me on the power packed day of 11/11 for a 2-hour workshop to Ignite Your Creativity and Intuition.
Creativity altar: Use your imagination and put up an altar for creativity in your home where you can look at it. Use bright colors, scents that make you happy (I love my happiness spray), beautiful things from Nature (crystals, rocks, leaves), pictures of people who inspire you, affirmations, and/or poems. Sometimes I even add kid’s toys like playdough or Legos to help remind me of my creative inner child. And if you have any ideas for new projects, place a symbol there too.
Let there be light: Make sure to have good lighting available. Some people like to use a Light Box which mimics outdoor light. There are many different ones available so do your research. Make sure you look at the ones that are designed for SAD (seasonal affective disorder). If you have any eye disorders like glaucoma or cataracts please check with your eye doctor first before using.
Take Action: This is a perfect time to make that phone call or send that email that you have been avoiding. Google something that interests you, paint your kitchen bright orange, meet a friend for tea. And, if you live in the USA, remember to VOTE on November 8th. As my friend David Meggyesy said in his email to me, “the fate of our Republic is at a fork in the road, going towards greater democracy or authoritarianism. Freedom of Choice is central and essential. It is our Choice. VOTE!"
Work with Barbara:
Connect to the dreams that are in alignment with your truest self. Then create a life that suits who you are. Let me guide you.
Readings: Get clarity of where you are right now, what needs to be healed and what forces are around you to move you forward. Book your reading >>
Rituals: for all of life’s transitions (healing, relationships, honoring milestones, fertility). Book a ritual >>
Coaching: Practical steps to tap into your natural genius and move you forward. Book a session or a coaching package >>
This is also a great time for a space clearing/blessing of your home.
Until next time,
Barbara