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12-Minute Practices for Inner Peace During the Holiday Rush

by | Dec 23, 2024 | Holidays, Seasons, and Celebrations, Mindfulness and Meditation

The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and—let’s face it—overwhelm. Between shopping, social commitments, and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to feel ungrounded. That’s why incorporating short, intentional practices can make all the difference.

Even 12 minutes can help you reset and regain balance. Here are 12 effective, easy-to-implement practices for inner peace during the holiday rush.

1. 12-Minute Breathing Reset for Inner Peace

Deep breathing is one of the fastest ways to calm your nervous system.

How to Do It:

  • Sit or lie down comfortably.
  • Inhale through your nose for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, and exhale through your mouth for 6 counts.
  • Repeat for 12 minutes.

Why It Works: This practice lowers cortisol levels, reducing stress and creating a sense of calm.

2. Grounding Visualization for Inner Peace

Grounding exercises can help you feel centered amidst the holiday chaos.

How to Do It:

  • Close your eyes and imagine roots growing from your feet into the earth.
  • Visualize any stress leaving your body through these roots.
  • Breathe deeply and feel anchored for 12 minutes.

Bonus Tip: Pair this with relaxing music or nature sounds for added effect.

3. Gratitude Journaling in 12 Minutes

Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s overwhelming to what’s meaningful.

How to Do It:

  • Write down three things you’re grateful for.
  • Reflect briefly on why they matter to you.
  • Spend the remaining time sitting with the feeling of gratitude.

Why It Helps: Gratitude rewires your brain to notice positive aspects of your day, reducing stress and increasing joy.

4. 12-Minute Mindful Walking Exercise

Movement can be meditative when done with intention.

How to Do It:

  • Find a quiet space to walk, indoors or outdoors.
  • Focus on each step, noticing the sensation of your feet on the ground.
  • Breathe deeply and let go of intrusive thoughts.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, incorporate this while walking to your car or between errands.

5. Aromatherapy for a 12-Minute Mood Boost

Certain scents can instantly promote relaxation.

How to Do It:

  • Choose a calming essential oil like lavender, eucalyptus, or frankincense.
  • Inhale the aroma directly or use a diffuser while you sit quietly.
  • Pair the scent with slow, deep breaths.

Why It’s Effective: Aromatherapy triggers the brain’s limbic system, which governs emotions, promoting calmness.

6. Quick Energy Clearing for Inner Peace

Clearing stagnant energy can help you feel refreshed.

How to Do It:

  • Light a stick of incense and let the smoke drift around you.
  • As you do, repeat a mantra like, “I release what no longer serves me.”
  • End by visualizing yourself surrounded by a white, peaceful light.

Tip for Safety: Always ensure proper ventilation when using smoke-clearing tools.

7. 12-Minute Body Scan Meditation

A body scan brings awareness to tension and invites relaxation.

How to Do It:

  • Lie down or sit comfortably.
  • Starting at your head, slowly bring your attention to each part of your body.
  • Notice areas of tension and consciously release them.

Why It’s Transformative: This practice connects your mind and body, relieving physical stress.

8. Mantra Repetition for 12 Minutes

A mantra helps quiet your mind and focus your energy.

How to Do It:

  • Choose a calming phrase, such as “I am at peace” or “All is well.”
  • Repeat it silently or aloud while breathing deeply.
  • Use a timer to stay focused for the full 12 minutes.

Pro Tip: Pair this with prayer beads for a tactile element.

9. Sip Tea Mindfully for Inner Peace

Mindful tea drinking is a simple way to reset.

How to Do It:

  • Prepare a cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or peppermint.
  • Sip slowly, noticing the warmth, aroma, and taste.
  • Let the act of drinking become your sole focus for 12 minutes.

Bonus Tip: This is a great practice to do in the evening to wind down.

10. Create a 12-Minute "Holiday Sanctuary" Space

Set aside a small area in your home for peaceful reflection.

How to Do It:

  • Decorate a corner with soft lighting, a blanket, or a few meaningful objects.
  • Spend 12 minutes sitting in this space, breathing and letting go of the day’s stress.

Why It Works: Having a designated space for peace encourages regular mindfulness.

11. Write a 12-Minute Letter to Your Stress

Externalizing your stress can help you process it.

How to Do It:

  • Write a letter to your stress, naming what’s bothering you.
  • End the letter with an intention to release or address those concerns.
  • Shred or burn the letter (safely) as a symbolic act of letting go.

Why It’s Liberating: Writing allows you to identify and release what’s weighing you down.

12. Practice a 12-Minute Loving-Kindness Meditation

Send love and peace to yourself and others.

How to Do It:

  • Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
  • Silently repeat phrases like, “May I be peaceful. May I be safe. May I be happy.”
  • Extend these wishes to loved ones, acquaintances, and even strangers.

Why It’s Uplifting: This meditation fosters a sense of connection and universal goodwill.

Why 12 Minutes?

Twelve minutes is long enough to shift your mindset without feeling overwhelming. By choosing a single practice from this list, you can create meaningful moments of peace amidst even the busiest days.

Remember, the holidays don’t need to drain you. These short, impactful practices allow you to show up for yourself and others with more calm, clarity, and joy.

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12 Tiny Steps to Embrace the Bigger Picture in Your Life

by | Dec 9, 2024 | Mindfulness and Meditation, Personal Journey, Self-Care and Personal Growth

Life’s big picture often feels overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating daily challenges. But embracing that larger perspective doesn’t require grand, sweeping changes. Instead, small, mindful steps can help you connect with a sense of completeness, making the bigger picture come into focus naturally.

Here are 12 actionable steps to bring clarity, meaning, and harmony into your life.

1. Start Your Day with an Intention

Setting a clear intention each morning creates a guidepost for your day. Rather than being pulled in multiple directions, this simple act anchors you to what truly matters.

Example: Instead of saying, “I’ll get everything done today,” try, “I’ll approach today with patience and focus on one task at a time.”

This mindful beginning can shift your perspective from chaos to clarity.

2. Observe Your Breathing

Your breath is a direct link between your body, mind, and the present moment. Pausing for a few deep breaths helps you ground yourself and re-center your focus.

Quick Practice:

  • Breathe in for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for six counts.
  • Repeat this three times, especially during moments of stress or overwhelm.

This simple habit can help you feel more connected to the bigger picture.

3. Reflect on a Daily Win

In the rush of life, it’s easy to overlook small victories. Take a few minutes each evening to reflect on one thing you accomplished or appreciated that day.

Journal Prompt: What moment today brought me closer to the life I envision?

By focusing on daily wins, you create momentum and gratitude, both of which align with the bigger picture.

4. Simplify One Task

Completing even one simplified task can help shift your mindset toward clarity and accomplishment.

Example: Declutter one drawer instead of tackling an entire room. Celebrate the progress instead of fixating on what remains unfinished.

Small steps often lead to significant breakthroughs over time.

5. Practice Active Listening

Deeply connecting with others helps you see beyond your personal challenges. The act of listening without planning your response fosters empathy and understanding.

Challenge: During your next conversation, focus solely on the speaker’s words and tone. Let their perspective expand your view of what’s possible.

6. Revisit a Long-Term Goal

Long-term goals can feel distant or unattainable, but breaking them into bite-sized pieces makes them actionable.

Example:
If you want to write a book, commit to writing 100 words a day. Those small efforts will accumulate into a complete draft before you know it.

7. Take a Gratitude Walk

Walking is not just exercise—it’s an opportunity to reconnect with your surroundings.

Activity: Go for a short walk and consciously notice three things that make you feel grateful. It could be the sun on your face, a bird singing, or the sturdy trees lining the street.

Focusing on gratitude amplifies feelings of completeness and connection.

8. Declutter Your Digital Space

Your digital environment can significantly impact your mental clarity.

Action Plan: Delete unnecessary emails, organize your desktop, or unfollow accounts that don’t align with your values.

A cleaner digital space mirrors a clearer mental space, helping you focus on what truly matters.

9. Do One Thing Outside Your Comfort Zone

Growth happens when you step into new experiences, even if they’re small.

Example: If you’re shy, introduce yourself to someone new. If you’ve been putting off trying a new hobby, spend 10 minutes exploring it.

These steps help you embrace challenges and see how they connect to your personal evolution.

10. Create a “Bigger Picture” Vision Board

Visualization is a powerful tool for aligning your actions with your broader goals.

How-To: Gather images, words, or symbols representing the life you want to lead. Arrange them on a board or a digital canvas.

Place this board where you’ll see it daily to remind yourself of the bigger picture while celebrating your progress.

11. Schedule Time for Stillness

Stillness allows your mind to process and gain clarity. It’s in the quiet moments that you often find the most profound insights.

Practice: Dedicate 5-10 minutes each day to simply sitting in silence. Focus on your breath or repeat a calming mantra like, “I am enough.”

12. Acknowledge How Far You’ve Come

It’s easy to focus on what’s left to do, but taking time to reflect on how much you’ve already achieved creates a sense of completeness.

Exercise: Write down three challenges you’ve overcome in the past year. Notice how these experiences have shaped you and brought you closer to your goals.

Bringing It All Together

The bigger picture isn’t something you need to chase—it’s already present in your life, waiting for you to notice it. By focusing on these 12 small, intentional actions, you can feel more connected, balanced, and fulfilled in your journey.

Remember, transformation doesn’t happen in leaps; it unfolds in the small, steady steps you take each day.

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11 Things to Ask Your Inner Wisdom During Meditation or Prayer

by | Nov 26, 2024 | Mindfulness and Meditation

Connecting with our inner wisdom is one of the most powerful ways to find clarity, guidance, and peace. Meditation and prayer offer quiet moments where we can explore deeper parts of ourselves, seeking answers that often go unheard in our busy daily lives. Here, we’ll explore 11 thought-provoking questions to ask during these quiet moments, questions that can lead to new insights and a sense of inner knowing. Use these questions one at a time or mix them based on what resonates with you in the moment.

1. “What am I not seeing clearly right now?”

Sometimes, life’s most significant answers are hidden by our own blind spots. This question opens you to a more objective view of a situation, letting your inner wisdom reveal what might be obscured by assumptions, judgments, or fears.

  • Example: If you’re feeling uncertain about a decision, try asking this question and then listening carefully to what comes up. You may get a nudge to look at a new angle or consider a part of the situation that’s been overlooked.

2. “What do I need to let go of to move forward?”

Holding onto old patterns or fears can block us from new experiences. Asking this question invites inner guidance on what may no longer be serving you, clearing the path for personal growth.

  • How to Use: Reflect on recent emotions or actions that feel heavy or stagnant. As you meditate, let your inner wisdom reveal if there are specific feelings, beliefs, or attachments you could release to experience a fresh start.
  • Quick Tip: When faced with an urge to act, take five deep breaths. Ask yourself, “If I wait, will this idea still feel important to me?”

3. “What step can I take toward my purpose?”

Living in alignment with our purpose brings fulfillment, yet sometimes our direction feels unclear. This question helps you tap into actionable steps, guiding you closer to a meaningful and purpose-driven life.

  • Suggested Approach: After asking, sit in stillness and notice any ideas, visuals, or intuitive hits that come up. It could be as simple as reaching out to someone, taking a class, or dedicating time to an activity that energizes you.

4. “What am I grateful for that I’ve overlooked?”

Gratitude deepens our connection to the present moment, yet we often overlook aspects of life that deserve appreciation. This question invites your inner wisdom to spotlight overlooked blessings.

  • Try This: Ask this question at the start of meditation, and notice any memories, people, or experiences that come to mind. Let each insight guide you to an intentional moment of appreciation.

5. “How can I bring more compassion to my relationships?”

Relationships are a vital part of our journey, yet they can sometimes be sources of conflict or stress. This question helps you connect with ways to bring more empathy and understanding into your interactions.

  • How to Implement: Reflect on a specific relationship, whether with a partner, friend, or coworker, and ask this question. Your inner wisdom may reveal ways to respond with kindness or encourage you to see the other person’s perspective.

6. “What lesson is this challenge teaching me?”

When we face challenges, it’s easy to feel frustrated or overwhelmed. Asking this question can transform struggles into opportunities for growth, letting your inner wisdom shed light on hidden lessons.

  • Practice Tip: Bring to mind a recent challenge and let yourself sit with this question. Allow any insights to arise without judgment. Sometimes, simply reframing a difficulty as a lesson can reduce stress and open you to new perspectives.

7. “What part of myself do I need to honor more?”

It’s easy to neglect our needs and desires in a world full of external demands. This question invites you to reflect on areas of self-care, creativity, or expression that might need more attention.

  • Example: As you ask, consider any neglected hobbies, passions, or desires. Your inner wisdom may remind you of the importance of honoring these parts, leading to greater fulfillment and balance.

8. “What am I truly afraid of in this situation?”

Fear can often mask itself as practicality, convincing us to avoid things that may be beneficial. This question encourages a deeper look at fears, allowing you to separate real concerns from imagined ones.

  • Application: Think of a current situation where you feel hesitant. Ask this question, and listen carefully to what surfaces. Naming your true fear can often make it feel more manageable and open pathways forward.

9. “How can I show up more authentically in my life?”

Authenticity means aligning our actions with who we truly are, yet social pressures can push us to conform. This question helps you identify areas where you might be holding back or playing a role that doesn’t reflect your true self.

  • Exercise: Reflect on a recent interaction or situation where you felt out of alignment with yourself. Allow your inner wisdom to reveal ways you could embrace more authenticity, whether through expressing your truth, setting boundaries, or showing vulnerability.

10. “What do I want my legacy to be?”

Thinking about legacy isn’t only for the later years; it’s a powerful way to align your daily actions with your deeper values. This question connects you to what you want to leave behind, guiding you toward purpose-driven choices.

  • Suggestion: After asking this question, jot down any visions or values that arise. Reflecting on these periodically can help you make decisions that honor your long-term goals and contribute to a fulfilling life.

11. “What does my intuition want me to know right now?”

Often, our inner wisdom speaks to us in whispers, nudging us through intuition. This question is an invitation to turn up the volume on those quiet insights, connecting more deeply with your intuitive voice.

  • How to Ask: Before meditation, place your hands over your heart and take a few deep breaths. Then, ask this question and let any images, feelings, or sensations arise without questioning or analyzing them. Write down your impressions after meditation to reflect on later.

Integrating These Questions into Your Practice

Asking questions of your inner wisdom isn’t about getting immediate, crystal-clear answers every time. Sometimes, the insights come gradually or show up in unexpected ways throughout the day. Whether you’re new to meditation or have an established practice, these questions are tools for self-exploration and guidance, helping you connect with your higher self.

By incorporating these questions into your meditative or prayer practice, you can build a consistent dialogue with your inner wisdom, one that will enrich your decisions, relationships, and personal growth journey. Remember, your inner wisdom is always there, waiting to be heard—sometimes, you just have to ask.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

20 Creative Spiritual Practices for February

by | Feb 1, 2024 | Home and Lifestyle, Journaling, Mindfulness and Meditation, Personal Journey, Self-Care and Personal Growth, Spiritual practice, spirituality

As we embrace the energy of February, the month of partnerships and balance, it’s the perfect time to explore unique and creative spiritual practices that can help you connect with your inner self. These 20 practices are designed to ignite your spiritual journey, inspire personal growth, and deepen your connection to the divine. Let’s dive into the world of imaginative and soul-enriching activities.

1. Inner Sanctuary Visualization

Create a personal inner sanctuary through guided visualization. This sacred space can be a place where you find balance and solace in your solitude, deepening your connection with yourself.

2. Candle Wax Divination

Drip candle wax into water and interpret the shapes and symbols that form as a divination method for gaining insights into your partnerships.

3. Partnered Guided Meditation

Practice a guided meditation with a partner or loved one to deepen your connection and share the experience of inner exploration.

4. Tea Leaf Reading

Enjoy a cup of loose-leaf tea and then observe the leaves at the bottom of your cup to find symbols and messages.

5. Sacred Geometry Coloring

Color sacred geometry patterns to enhance your focus and connection to universal energies.

6. Crystal Pendulum Communication

Use a crystal pendulum to communicate with your subconscious, seeking answers related to partnership and balance.

7. Partnered Astrology Analysis

Study your natal charts and those of your partner to explore the dynamics of your relationship from an astrological perspective.

8. Energy Center Dance

Create a dance routine that embodies the aspects of each energy center. Feel the flow and balance within you.

9. Romantic Love Visualization

Visualize meeting your romantic partner soul to soul and explore the dynamics of that relationship in a meditative state.

10. Guided Astral Projection

Use guided meditation to explore astral projection, allowing your consciousness to travel beyond the physical realm.

11. Scent Memory Journaling

Keep a journal of your favorite scents and how they evoke specific memories and emotions. Explore the spiritual significance of these experiences.

12. Soul Synchronicity Journal

Keep a journal of synchronicities that occur in your life and discuss them with a partner to gain a deeper understanding of your interconnected paths.

13. Dream Interpretation Swap

Exchange your dreams with a partner for interpretation and insight into your spiritual journeys.

14. Tarot Card Poetry

Select a Tarot card and write a poem based on the imagery and emotions it evokes.

15. Intuitive Cooking

Cook a meal with a partner using intuitive and spiritual guidance, infusing your creations with positive energy and intention.

16. Synchronized Breathing

Practice synchronized deep breathing with a partner to harmonize your energies and promote balance within your relationship.

17. Sensory Deprivation Float Tank

Experience sensory deprivation in a float tank to delve into the depths of your consciousness.

18. Artistic Pendulum Dowsing

Use a pendulum over a canvas or watercolor paper to create art guided by your subconscious.

19. Astral Art Meditation

Visualize the cosmos during meditation and let the images guide you to create celestial art.

20. Alphabet Mantra Creation

Assign a mantra to each letter of the alphabet, and use them for intention setting and affirmations.

A February of Creative Spiritual Connection

These 20 creative spiritual practices offer a wide range of unique and inspiring ways to deepen your connection with your inner self and the spiritual realm. Whether it’s through art, meditation, or exploration of the senses, February is the perfect time to explore your spiritual journey and embrace the energy of balance and partnership. Remember, your spiritual path is as unique as you are, so feel free to adapt these practices to your preferences and watch as your spirituality blossoms in surprising and delightful ways.

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Embrace the Magic of October: 20 Creative Spiritual Practices

by | Sep 30, 2023 | Mindfulness and Meditation, Nature and Environment, Self-Care and Personal Growth, Spiritual practice, spirituality

As we bid farewell to the warmth of summer and welcome the crisp embrace of autumn, October beckons us to explore its unique tapestry of magic and transformation. This month is a canvas upon which we can paint our intentions, delve into introspection, and connect with the mystical energies that surround us. It’s a time when nature itself undergoes a profound shift, and we, too, can align ourselves with this seasonal transformation.

In this article, I invite you to embark on a journey of creative and spiritual practices tailor-made for October. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant colors of falling leaves, the warmth of candlelit rituals, or the ancient traditions of Samhain, there’s something here for everyone seeking to deepen their connection with the season’s magic.

October is a time of balance, as seen in the fall equinox, when day and night share the sky equally. It’s a season of reflection, as we witness the natural world shedding its summer attire and preparing for the slumber of winter. It’s also a time of celebration, as cultures around the world mark festivals like Samhain and Halloween, honoring the thinning of the veil between our world and the spirit realm.

In the following sections, we’ll explore 20 creative and spiritual practices that resonate with the energies of October. From pumpkin meditations to ancestral altars, from tarot readings under the full moon to the crafting of witchy spells, each practice invites you to embrace the magic of this enchanting month.

So, join me as we navigate the October landscape, where the mundane and the mystical intertwine. Let’s celebrate the changing of the seasons, the wisdom of our ancestors, and the vibrant colors of autumn. As you delve into these practices, may you find inspiration, transformation, and a deeper connection to the magic that surrounds us all.

1. Nature's Symphony

  • Embrace the changing sounds of nature in October as migratory birds pass through and wildlife prepares for winter.
  • Find a peaceful spot in a park or natural setting, preferably during dawn or dusk.
  • Close your eyes and listen attentively to the harmonious sounds of birds, rustling leaves, or flowing water. Allow the natural world’s symphony to envelop you in serenity and mindfulness, connecting you deeply with the season.

2. Autumn Nature Walks

  • Set aside time for mindful walks in nature, preferably in a park, forest, or any natural setting near you.
  • Observe the changing colors of leaves, the rustling of fallen foliage, and the subtle signs of the season’s shift.
  • As you walk, contemplate the cycles of life and death, appreciating the beauty in both phases and finding peace in the impermanence of all things.

In Iowa, you can find a local park by clicking here.

3. Pumpkin Meditation

  • Choose a pumpkin, either for carving or decorating.
  • As you work on it, do so mindfully, focusing on the creative process and infusing the pumpkin with your intentions for the season.
  • After it’s decorated, sit in front of the pumpkin, light a candle, and meditate on its symbolism. Imagine your intentions taking root and growing like the vines of the pumpkin.
A pumpkin with painted eyes closed and a gentle smile, towel wrapped around the top and spa supplies sitting on the table around it

4. Harvest Blessing

  • Plan a visit to a local farm or orchard during the harvest season.
  • While there, offer a heartfelt blessing or thanks for the abundance of the season. Express gratitude for the fruits of the earth.
  • Take a moment to connect with the land and the hard work of those who cultivate it, recognizing the interconnectedness of all living things.

5. Samhain Celebration

  • Explore the Celtic festival of Samhain, (pronounced sah-win) which marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
  • Prepare for Samhain by setting up an ancestral altar adorned with photographs, mementos, candles, and offerings.
  • As you light a candle, take time to reflect on your heritage and ancestral lineage, expressing gratitude for the wisdom and blessings they bring to your life. Consider reaching out to family members to learn more about your roots.

6. Shadow Work

  • As the nights grow longer, use this time for shadow work—a deep exploration of your inner self.
  • Journal about your fears, insecurities, and unresolved emotions. Shine a light on the hidden aspects of your psyche.
  • Seek guidance from a trusted therapist, counselor, or spiritual mentor to help navigate this introspective journey.

7. Full Moon Ritual

  • On the night of the full moon in October, create a sacred space for a ritual.
  • Charge your crystals under the moonlight, cleansing them of any stagnant energy.
  • Perform divination or meditation to gain insights into your spiritual path or current life situation.

You can find current moon phases by clicking here. 

8. Witchy Crafting

  • Explore your creative side by trying your hand at witchy crafts.
  • Create your own incense blends using herbs and resins, crafting potions with intention, or assembling spell jars for various purposes.
  • Infuse each creation with your personal energy and intentions, focusing on your desired outcomes.
A small glass bottle filled with flowers and water and a cork stopper sitting in a field of violet flowers and a warm background

9. Ghost Stories

  • Gather with friends or family around a campfire or in a cozy setting.
  • Share ghost stories, folklore, or personal experiences that honor the thinning veil between our world and the spirit realm.
  • Light candles or lanterns to enhance the atmosphere and create a sense of mystery.

10. Candle Magic

  • Incorporate candle magic into your spiritual practice.
  • Choose candles of different colors, each with its own meaning. For instance, use green for abundance or white for purification.
  • Perform rituals or spells that align with your intentions, allowing the candle’s flame to carry your desires into the universe.

11. Apple Divination

  • Explore the ancient practice of apple divination by selecting a ripe apple.
  • Cut it horizontally to reveal the natural star-like pattern formed by the seeds.
  • Interpret the arrangement of seeds as symbols or messages, or count how many seeds are in each half and use numerology to provide insights into your path and intentions for the season.
Slices of apples cut horizontally to reveal the stars of the core

12. Ancestor Connection

  • Create a dedicated space in your home for an ancestor altar, adorned with photographs, mementos, candles, and offerings.
  • Light a candle and incense to honor and connect with your ancestors.
  • Spend time in quiet reflection, expressing gratitude for their guidance and seeking wisdom from those who came before you.

13. Crystal Grids

  • Delve into the practice of crystal grids by selecting a combination of crystals and gemstones that resonate with your intentions.
  • Arrange them in a geometric pattern on a sacred space or cloth.
  • Meditate with the grid, focusing on the energies of the crystals working together to amplify your desires for transformation and healing.

14. Forest Bathing

  • Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forest during October.
  • Take a leisurely walk through the woods, allowing the sights, sounds, and scents of nature to envelop you.
  • Engage your senses fully and embrace the healing and grounding energies of the forest.

15. Tarot Exploration

  • Dedicate time to deepen your relationship with tarot or oracle cards.
  • Pull a daily card and journal about its symbolism and how it relates to your life.
  • Seek guidance and insight from your cards, allowing them to serve as mirrors of your spiritual journey.

Looking for a Tarot deck? One of my favorites and most-used Tarot decks is Angel Tarot by Radleigh Valentine.

16. Nature Mandala

  • Create a mandala using natural materials like fallen leaves, stones, acorns, or pinecones.
  • Find a serene spot outdoors to arrange these elements into a circular pattern.
  • As you construct the mandala, contemplate the unity, balance, and interconnectedness represented by this sacred geometric shape.
Nature mandala with red-pink leaves in the center surrounded y pink flowers, white flowers, green succulent leaves, and green grass

17. Herbal Brews

  • Explore the world of herbal teas by brewing seasonal blends that incorporate ingredients like cinnamon, clove, ginger, and chamomile.
  • Mindfully sip your herbal brew, savoring the flavors and meditating on the warmth and comfort it brings.
  • Use this time to set intentions for inner peace and nourishment during the autumn season.

Interested in exploring herbalism? You might enjoy the book, “Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook: A Home Manual” by James Green.

18. Moonlit Journaling

  • On a clear night, find a quiet outdoor spot where you can sit comfortably with your journal and a pen. Allow the moonlight to illuminate your pages.

  • Write down your thoughts, dreams, aspirations, or reflections. Consider setting intentions or releasing what no longer serves you in your moonlit journal, allowing the moon’s energy to amplify your words. Tune into the mystical and intuitive insights that often emerge under the gentle glow of the moon. our moonlit journal, allowing the moon’s energy to amplify your words.

  • You can make this practice a regular part of your month, choosing specific moon phases like the full moon or waxing moon to deepen your connection with lunar energies.

19. Crone Goddess Meditation

  • Embrace the wisdom and transformation associated with the Crone Goddess archetype.
  • Find a quiet space for meditation, sit comfortably, and close your eyes.
  • Visualize the Crone Goddess, embracing her energy of introspection, wisdom, and transformation. Seek guidance from her on your spiritual path.

20. Forest Dreams

  • Experience the magic of the forest by spending a night camping under the canopy of trees.
  • Allow the sounds of nature to serenade you as you drift into sleep.
  • Pay close attention to your dreams, which may be filled with messages, insights, and intuitive guidance from the natural world.
A forest with green and pink trees with a soft hazy look

Embrace the Magic of October

These practices encompass a wide range of experiences that invite you to connect with the spirit of October and the transformative energies of autumn. Choose the ones that resonate most with you and let them enrich your spiritual journey during this magical season.

October is a time of both celebration and inner exploration. Embrace the magic of the season as you connect with nature, honor your ancestors, and deepen your spiritual practice. May your October be filled with wonder, growth, and enchantment.