How do you respond to the colder weather? Do you simply wrap up in more clothing and continue on your escapades or do you tend to hibernate seeking out a bit of Hygge? May with its changeable weather, presented plenty of opportunities for rejuvenation and reflection for me. After quite a full on Autumn, I embraced two important rituals that I intend to do more and more of when we move to the countryside soon.
Our slice of land heaven has native bush on it, therefore, providing the ideal playground to explore with a bit of what most call Barefoot Walking. Barefoot Walking is so ingrained in our New Zealand culture, yet many do it on the beach or footpath rather than in a bush. Earthing or grounding, as it’s also known “is an extremely accessible and simple holistic therapy that offers abundant healing properties. It lowers inflammation, decreases stress and offers a means to allow us to feel more connected to the very Earth that gifts us with the ability to exist” states the Reset Me website.
At first it feels kind of uncomfortable, but eventually, your toes warm up and the soles of your feet rapidly harden to the new surface that is so far removed from your standard plastic or cotton inner sole. I felt a deep sense of connection to the ground beneath my feet and how special being in this bush was. Normally I struggle with staying in the moment, yet it immediately brings you into the moment and keeps you there, a form of Mindfulness practice to give your racing mind a rest while you navigate where to best place your feet. In Japan, Forest Therapy or Shinrin-yoku is prescribed as medicine and I can see why. The evidence is mounting that Barefoot Walking assists with connecting to the Earth’s electric field which can produce a stable “internal bioelectrical environment” — meaning that contact with the Earth’s surface can contribute towards the functioning of all body systems. Surprisingly, this can include processing and eliminating the build up of cortisol in our bodies due to the busy lives we all lead. So get your shoes off!
Another activity that I felt important to undertake this month was sending some handwritten cards to show gratitude to a few people for their support over the past challenging months. Everyone leads manic lives, yet it is so touching when one takes the time to regularly check-in with someone going through a tough time. I don’t need to tell you how great it is when you receive a thank you card, yet it almost feels better when you are writing one to a loved one, then the response you get from them is priceless. It’s a mutually beneficial situation, and people who show gratitude report fewer aches and pains or feel a general feeling of good health. If you are going through some tough times or feel the Winter blues, writing in a gratitude diary can be a fantastic way to start the day off right. Both Kikki K and Awesome Inc, make beautiful ones to make the habit even more pleasurable.