17 Ways to Come to Your Senses

  When I wrote the book Simply Celebrate more than five years ago, it was obviously a way for me to explore how I could bring more delight into life. But the book was also partially born out of my desire to keep a close eye on monkey mind, lethargy, and depression.

 I had spent many years on a rollercoaster of emotions — experiencing great joy and delight ... but also falling into irritation, frustration, and despair.  

Over time, with the help of lots of great teachers and fabulous tools, I began to see that more often than not, I had a choice about my state of mind. I saw that even "negative" emotions felt differently if I wasn't holding onto them and telling myself stories about what they meant. I understood that I could "wake myself up" when things looked dark and shift my focus to something that made me feel better. I learned that there were lots of ways to create more energy and peace in my life.

As I used these tools more and more, I felt better and better. In fact, life took a turn for the best! I experienced daily feelings of ... extraordinary! 

That said, I still need to keep a close eye on all the things that want to draw my attention "to the dark side" —  fear, anger, uncertainty, and bleakness are all just a part of the human package. They knock on the door on a regular basis. But I don't always have to let them in and invite them to stay for tea. 

So, just like I did with the Simply Celebrate ideas, I began collecting easy things I could do that don't take a lot of time, but that help shift the space I'm in from something that drags me down to that which lifts me up.

I'd like to share some of these simple ideas with you. And am hoping you'll take a moment to send me your own tools and practices for turning sweet into sour. I'd love to post a running list on the Simply Celebrate website so we can take advantage of each other's experiences!

Quick pik-me-ups:

• Do a handstand, headstand, or ten jumping jacks.
  
• Open my iTunes folder titled  "Feel Good Music," which contains songs like Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep, Say Hey (I Love You), Ballroom Blitz, Horchata, and other songs that get me outta my head and dancin' around the room.
  
• Walk over to the window. Look at the sky. Breathe deeply. Repeat. 
• Google a phrase such as "purple flowers" or "clouds in sky" or "silly faces." Click to see images only and bask in the small retreat.
• Focus on someone else: call a friend, write a note to my mom, think about a birthday gift I could make. 
• Create a page for my Joy Book.   
• Visit one of my favorite goofy websites like Cake Wrecks or Awkward Family Photos.
• Make a gratitude list.
  
• Find my son or kitten and squeeze 'em. (This will also work with lovers, friends, and dogs.)
• Read a poem from my "Favorite Poem" folder or the book, Ten Poems to Change Your Life.
• Watch a whimsical video like Sound of Music/Central Station Antwerp
• Do something to surprise someone: hide a note in his bag, buy my son a book, hide $5 on the street.
• Put on my favorite piece of clothing or a fun hat.
  
• Curl up under my most cozy blanket and nap. 
• Take a ten minute stroll down a street I've never ventured. (Or have, but somehow didn't SEE!)
• Close my eyes and imagine lying under a cherry blossom tree, with a small, warm breeze blowing.
• Take ten deep breaths through my nose, in and out, and focus only on the feel of the breath entering and exiting my body. 

Your turn! Do tell. What quick pik-me-ups do you know?

xo Sherry

Need a Little juice?  Visit our Vitality Salon for lots of quick things you can read, watch, listen to, and do that lift the spirits and create more zest for life!   You can also visit our "Support & Practice" section and under "Self-Guided Programs," download our FREE Audio Insights Program and worksheet: Make an Honest Stand!  Taking time to focus on what you truly want is always the first step in having the life you truly want.  We hope you'll let us know how it goes.           __________________________________________     Did you miss our Lively Conversations about improv in everyday life, sacred story, the body energetic, happiness, and courage? You can "meet" lots of extraordinary people without leaving the comfort of your very own home.  These audio replays are each about an hour long and they're chock-full of, well, very lively conversation! Hope you'll listen in. Visit the Simply Celebrate website to download replays — FREE!     _______________________________________________________________   Simple Celebration (In honor of Johnny Depp, who makes me feel oh-so-zanily mad!) Throw a Mad-Hatter tea party! Pick up some assorted teas and frosted animal cookies or whatever other colorful, goofy treats you see. Then invite your friends, reminding them that a hat is a MUST. (Local Goodwills always have a grand selection of hats… or people can make their own!) For added delight, have everyone share a fantastical adventure they’d love to embark on—with or without the rabbit hole.       _________________________________________________________   Practice with us and stay connected with us via our Facebook Fan Page, Blog, Twitter, or email !!   Cheers, Sherry Richert Belul & Tricia Huebner

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