Treat Yourself
Today you can come N-E-A-R Grief and move toward healing.
Intention
Set an intention to treat yourself to something today that might lift your spirits even if it is just for a moment. This could be a sweet treat, a new plant, flowers, or ask someone to meet you for coffee/tea.
NOTICE
Notice how easily you are able to think of a treat for yourself? Is this something you feel like doing? Notice what it feels like to think about indulging in a positive activity. Just notice.
EMOTIONS
How does it feel to consider doing something special for yourself? Some individuals have talked about how difficult it is to do something special for themselves after the loss of a loved one. Sometimes the living are left with guilt for still being here while their loved one can no longer indulge. Remember there is no judgment in where you are at this time. These questions are meant to support and guide you. They are not meant to make you feel like you should be or feel anything else other than what you feel in this moment.
ACTION
Take a moment and put your feet firmly on the ground and notice how it supports you. I am going to guide you in a box-breathing exercise where you will inhale for 4 counts, hold for 3 counts, exhale for 4 counts, and then hold for 3 counts. And then repeat. Take your time and practice this on your own.
Put one hand on your belly and when you breathe in, feel your belly rise beneath your hand. When you exhale, try to keep it a very slow and controlled breath.
Let’s start–
Deep breath In, 2, 3, 4 . . . hold, 2, 3. . . Out, 2, 3, 4, hold, 2, 3.
In, 2, 3, 4 . . . hold, 2, 3. . . Out, 2, 3, 4, hold, 2, 3.
In, 2, 3, 4 . . . hold, 2, 3. . . Out, 2, 3, 4, hold, 2, 3.
REFLECT
Listen to this tune called “Sweet Treats” and reflect on how this tune can motivate you today. This is a melody from purpleplanet.com and I am able to directly upload it into this podcast today so you won’t need to go to the bottom of the page for a link. How can this inspire or motivate you today?
Note: Background music on the audio is provided by: https://www.purple-planet.com. Images provided by Canva.