self-soothe

life has been hard lately.  exhaustion, end of life for dear loved ones, mounting stress catching up with us.  it seems that this sort of experience always comes at the end of the summer season, doesn't it?  it's as if the whole northern hemisphere is dying, ending, preparing for a long season of rest before change comes in the spring.  

in many ways this aspect of the changing seasons can be incredibly beautiful.  we can use it as an opportunity to reflect on things in our own lives, seeing where we would be better off if we let certain things go.  in the big picture, i think it's a healthy, natural part of life.  still, it's important that we take care of ourselves during this time of universal melancholy.   

life can be big and hard, so how do you soothe your soul?  one of my favorite projects to do with clients in therapy is to create a self-soothing kit.  we brainstorm all of the things that the client finds incredibly fulfilling, whether it's relieving stress, recharging the spirit, or wrapping the person up in a proverbial blanket of emotional warmth.  it can be anything really, so long as it's meaningful to that person.  after brainstorming, they build their kit, placing in a box or bag everything from their list.  whenever they need a break from the world, they give themselves permission to spend an hour {or whatever time they choose} with their self-soothing kit, allowing no distractions to invade this sacred time {that means turning off cell phones, communicating with others about their unavailability, and finding a quiet spot}.

i can't tell you how powerful this can be in times of stress, sadness, or overwhelming feelings.  i like to think of it as another form of meditation, in that you're taking the time out of your busy life to care for your true self.

if you would like to create a self-soothing kit of your own...
here are some suggestions to get you started
{i find it's easier to brainstorm if you break your list down into the different senses}:

feel:  soft sweater, blanket, socks, eye mask, heating pad, nail polish,

face scrub, finger paints, back massager, lotions

do:  journal, sketchbook, pens, paints, coloring books, markers, jewelry making supplies,
other DIY project supplies, skirt for twirling in, recipes for baking

see:  magazines, books, compilation of favorite quotes or spiritual passages, funny comics, art, photos

 taste:  tea, chocolate, fruit, oatmeal, granola, lemon echinacea candies

smell:  candles, bath salts, essential oils, lotions

hear:  sound machine, musical instruments, a mix cd, or list of playlists stored
online or an ipod.  to get you started, i included one of my favorite self-soothing playlists here:

what would you put in your kit?


{all photos found on the fantastic tumblr page le petit bijou}