Destressing and refocussing

In my search for a more relaxed state, I have been exploring various options.

The first was the book by Marie Kondo called :

In this book she sets out a new way not only of tidying, but of a new relationship to have with your "stuff".

Basically it boils down to "does this spark joy?" If it doesn't give you a thrill or a lift, then thank it for its role in your life until now, and let it go. Don't hold onto things because you feel obliged or a sense of duty...eg. Wedding gifts. I've found this philosophy has also helped in deciding which items to buy and bring into your space.

I have always been rather ruthless about discarding my clothes and my belongings...growing up overseas and travelling ingrained that in me. But I found I was able to let go of even more since I started implementing this method.

I haven't finished the house yet, and other people's things can be a difficulty, but the process is starting.

Another book that has helped me is:

This is a tiny book that packs a punch. Talking about how to create a quiet space in your life to think of higher things. How to create space to appreciate what you have. How to appreciate the fine things in life like food, dining together, taking time to enjoy your daily activities.

This book has inspired me to rethink my daily tasks. Now, I light a candle when cooking to encourage me to think of serving my family, rather than being rushed and cranky about cooking as usual. I also light the candle when making lunches, and doing dishes to encourage positive thinking around these activities.

The third book that found its way into my life is Breatheology the art of conscious breathing.

Stig Severenson is the Guiness Book Record Holder for breath holding. Up to 22 minutes!

He has a lot to say about how we breathe can affect our health, our mental state, our emotions. He also comes at this from a yoga stand point which is very interesting, and also a medical/scientific standpoint.

Being a singer, I'm always interested in breathing...also being alive keeps me interested in breathing ;-)

I'm currently signed up to the Breatheology academy and working through the exercises. I have become aware how much of my body tension is caused by my busy mind.

I first heard about Stig through another website: The singing zone

 

Per Bristow introduced us to Stig and had three videos(since taken down) where they chatted about breathing and life. I am also working through the Singing Zone's members' area, learning about how to make a more relaxed sound. Hoping this will give me some more insights into teaching those with voice issues.

All these books and methods have one thing in common...they all address the mindset or spirituality of the situation. They talk about your motivation and what is behind the state you've got yourself into.

By studying these different works and sites, I'm hoping to observe and change my mind set from the points of view of my house, my mind, my body and my voice.

This is where you come in. I am also changing my blogging, and so for the moment, in order to clear my mind of extraneous noise, I will be restricting my blogging to my BeautyScopes.

'Til next time, keep creating your own beauty!

Love,

Jazzy Jack