15 June 2015

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 comments:

  1. beate @ bahnwaerterhaeuschen16 June 2015 at 01:34

    bravo for your hard and straight work! i know how it is to make a change of this "inner things" and to take our life in our own hands!!!
    for the household: first i asked hubby for a dishwasher. then i worked on my inner perfectionist so that i can let him or others (guests) make the food on days i feel overwhelmed by the task. or we call for take away once in a while ;-)
    and yoga - i´m doing it since years. not the fitness-studio-way of cause. and it helps sooo much in a lot of situations....
    glad that the beautyscope will still be here! i enjoy it soooo much! my meditative photo calendar!!
    xxxxxxxx

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  2. That meditation book looks very interesting. My son just turned 17!! You know what he asked for for his birthday? Some sessions in a sensory deprivation tank. A tank you float in in the complete darkness in salt water which is in the perfect temperature as your skin. No site, no sound, body floating in warm water. You do that for an hour at a time. I hear it's very therapeutic for stress and anxiety, etc...he really enjoyed it.

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  3. Yes, if I can take charge of my racing mind, I will be a lot more relaxed I think.
    I'm so glad you like my little meditations :-) xo Jazzy Jack

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  4. Argh! Darkness, in a tank, in water...claustrophobia here we come!
    Glad he enjoyed it though. No accounting for tastes :-D
    Happy Birthday Mr 17! Xo Jazzy Jack

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  5. Okie-dokie. Whatever works for you will work for us.

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  6. I'm glad that you are discovering people and ideas which inspire and help you - that's what life's about, isn't it, learning about ourselves, learning from others. As for the blog, it's yours to do with exactly as you want! xxx

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  7. My dear JJ, do all the changes you need. I understand and fully support. I'm glad that you found quite a few books that inspire you! I am also in a place when I need to do my blogging differently, at least for now.

    Sending you lots of love xxxx

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