Creating Space for Self

All of us are so busy these day that we rarely take time to take care of ourselves. While time is certainly an issue...I believe that space may be more of a concern. Think about this...whenever there is an empty space or room on your schedule, it gets filled with something you need to do.

That being the case, it's time for all of us to think about what need to make space for in our lives. What is it that you do that makes your heart soar? What makes you smile? When you are frazzeled and unsure of what step to take next, how to you ground yourself...come back to the essence of you?

Where and how can you create the space to allow yourself to breath?

What activties, locations, environments appeal to you?

Happy creating.....

Inner Sanctuary

Create An Inner Sanctuary: Great for Beginners to Advanced
By Daniella Breen

Stress and anxiety seem to be the health issues we are dealing with these days. So many people dealing with too much work, too many bills, not enough peace and quiet. Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could get away, to a beautiful place of peace and quiet, for even just five minutes a day?

During this article, you will learn how to create an Inner Sanctuary. A place where you can go, that no-one else can visit. You won't be disturbed by the phone, or the kids, or traffic, it won't cost you anything to go there, and there's no travel. You can spend as little or as much time there as you choose, and visit as often as you like.

The Inner Sanctuary is not a cure-all for the stress of daily living, it is important to develop a number of tools to help you live a healthier life. However, the Sanctuary is a very helpful and powerful tool and is easy for anyone to use.

Creating your Inner Sanctuary is a very simple exercise. You don't even have to know how to meditate. By simply using your imagination, you can develop the most wonderful place, solely for your use.

Here are some guidelines to help you:-

• Choose a place of nature, a forest, a beach, a desert, whatever feels peaceful to you.
• Include running water somewhere in your place, a waterfall, a pool, the ocean are all wonderful choices.
• If you live in a mainly hot climate, make sure there is plenty of shade and cool in your sanctuary. Likewise, if you live in a cold area, have lots of snuggly areas, you could even create a cosy little cabin with a fireplace, or choose somewhere warm like the beach.
• Remember that you can add or change areas to your Sanctuary, any time you choose.

Once you have designed your sanctuary, try it out. Using your imagination, feel yourself walking around, breathing in the clean, fresh air, floating in the water, washing off the cobwebs and tiredness under the waterfall. Sinking deep into the cool earth to be replenished, nourished and nurtured. Recognise that there is no time here, no pressure, no expectations. This is a place of healing and nurturing, pure freedom. Breathe slowly the whole time you are here, this regulates your body's rhythms and calms you down.

Take your time developing your relationship with this place. This is always meant to be a place of peace, healing and joy for you, so make sure you use it to clear away any stress or frustration. Swimming, wading in water or standing under a waterfall is a wonderful way to clear away the dust and dirt of living. Once you've cleared up the stress, spend a bit of time enjoying the peace of your sanctuary before returning to the physical world.

After a while of visiting this Sanctuary, you will find that you can visit it for just a few seconds at work when you are feeling harrassed, or in a traffic jam where feelings of frustration build so quickly, and harmony is restored.

Now that you have your Inner Sanctuary, it is important to make use of it. Not just in quiet times at home, but also in your toilet break at work and other times of stress. The more you use it, the better you will get at dealing with stress and frustration.

Daniella Breen B.Sc. (Psych) has been practicing meditation for most of her life and has been a Meditation Instructor for 9 years. You will find some of her Guided Meditations available free to copy at http://www.ShamanGoddess.com and at her forum linked from that site. Finally, Daniella does design personal meditation for specific issues or focuses. This service is also available at her site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniella_Breen

Tea and Spirituality

For years when I've pondered the idea and meaning of SpiritEarthGardens, what always comes up for me is something Zen like. I happen to love green tea, in particular Genmai-cha. Hmm, I think it's time to pull out my tea set and indulge.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tea, Spirituality and The Japanese Tea Ceremony: An Interview with Michael Ricci
By Terry Calamito

Michael Ricci was weeding the Tea House garden when I arrived for our interview. We sat in front of the little tea "hut" at Buddhist-inspired Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado where in just one hour I would scoot through the tiny doorway on my knees to participate in my first Japanese Tea Ceremony along with his students and other newcomers.

Michael found the Tea Ceremony (Chado) through Japanese Zen Buddhism. "I started reading about Zen and I kept coming across references to tea. I called up Naropa and they happened to be offering their first class on it through the extended studies program. There was one position left. I came and immediately fell in love with it." He adds, "It seemed like the perfect way to understand more about Zen and start doing something contemplative alongside my meditation. It was a spiritual path that made sense to me."

"Everything the Japanese do turns into an art, and that's the way they treat tea. Keeping the tradition alive is serious, and the rules are very important to them. The Japanese Tea Ceremony incorporates almost all of the traditional Japanese arts--flower arranging, calligraphy, laquerware, ceramics, bamboo, wood. I'm an artist so I just fell in love with all of it."

Michael spent two years studying Tea with Hobart Bell, head of the Boulder Zen Center before being accepted to study at Urasenke Headquarters in Kyoto under the guidance of 15th Generation Grand Tea Master of the Urasenke lineage of tea, which is the largest practicing tea lineage in the world. Here he was immersed in traditional Japanese culture and etiquette, learning all facets of Japanese Tea. But he had only scratched the surface after one year of study, so he stayed another year and a half. After that, he says, "I moved into a Zen Buddhist temple and trained alongside the monks. I didn't take vows, but I lived the life of a monk for 6 months."

It is from this humble state of mind that Michael shares his knowledge through his tea classes and his art.

"There are two ways to enjoy tea between host and guest. The first, Chaji, is a formal several-course meal that can last four to five hours. The abbreviated version, called Chakai, is simply a sweet and a bowl of tea."

Michael was teaching the day I was there, so each of his students performed the short version tea ceremony one by one over four hours' time.

There are no distractions inside the teahouse. Michael explains, "You're sitting on your knees in a very small room for 4 hours in a very intimate atmosphere. The dialogue is stripped down. Everything is designed to keep focus on the moment and to completely forget about the world outside of the teahouse."

"The little door, called nijiriguchi , was designed for everybody to bow their heads as they enter the tea room. Shoguns and Samari might be sitting next to peasants. They would have to take off their swords and leave them outside, bow their heads and humble themselves because inside the tea room everybody is the same." Nowadays, he says, we take off our rings, jewelry and watches. "Anything that says 'This is Me,' or that takes us outside of the tearoom. Tea Ceremony is a timeless realm in a bottle."

The ceremony is an expression of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility through each deeply symbolic gesture--a graceful choreography between host and guest.

Koicha is abowl of 'thick tea,' made with a lot of Matcha (powdered green tea) and less hot water. One bowl is shared between all 3 to 5 guests. The host serves the tea to 'First Guest,' (who is not a beginner and can model tea etiquette). First Guest bows to Second Guest and says in Japanese "Excuse me for taking my tea before you." Second Guest bows, too. First Guest drinks their share, turns and wipes the bowl's edge in a specific way with a paper napkin, and then passes it to Second Guest. Michael says, " Koicha is the most intimate part of the gathering, sharing the bowl like that." An initiation of sorts, I thought.

'Thin Tea,' Usucha , is more water and less tea, but only about three and a half sips. "It's just enough to quench your thirst. It's powder and it's not steeped. It is whisked," Michael explains. " During 'Thin Tea' the host makes each guest a bowl of tea from the same bowl. They each take turns first eating their sweet then drinking the tea." First Guest receives the bowl of tea, drinks it, passes it back to the host who wipes it, cleans it, and gives the next guest their bowl of tea in that same bowl. A watery sweet made of bean paste was served to refresh us that summer day.

Soon each guest in turn examined the utensils--scoop, bowl and whisk--and inspected the bright green valley in the bowl from which a portion of Matcha had been skillfully scooped by the host when the tea was prepared. As the host retreated to the tiny kitchen, the conversation between guests turned to appreciation of the warm weather, the tea, the teahouse. My body tingled with a feeling of wellbeing. Was it the L-theanine in the green tea? Or a result of paying close attention to every movement?

My mind arrived at stillness, like tea leaves settling on the bottom of a cup.

*****

Michael Ricci is a tea practitioner who teaches the Japanese Tea Ceremony and its related arts and cultural influences. He studied the art and craft of making tea utensils in the traditional Japanese pottery style called Raku, invented in Japan over 400 years ago specifically for the tea ceremony. He makes tea utensils from clay, bamboo and wood, which you can see during one of his classes or special event tea ceremonies. He has lectured and held demonstrations at pottery studios, universities and art organizations along the Front Range in Colorado, USA. Contact Michael at (970) 530-0436.

copyright 2005 Terry Calamito

Freelance writer and tea promoter Terry Calamito publishes the free weekly ezine Start Sipping. If you’re a tea lover or just want to find out about tea’s health benefits and maybe slow down a little to have a cup, subscribe for free at http://www.switchtotea.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Calamito

Winter Gardening

by Barbara Ellis
As the end of summer approaches, unfortunately far too quickly, all is not lost for gardening with some great ideas on bringing a piece of your garden indoors and creating a winter garden.

Studies have shown that as the year progresses the less sunlight and more dreary days we have, the more depressed we feel. Of course one of the best ideas is to take a trip to a sunny hot location, but that not being a choice for all of us or even in addition to taking a holiday you can create a winter garden. And the great part is, winter gardening doesn’t need to take up a lot of room in your house or apartment, it can be created in many ways to give that boost when you need it most!

The space you make for yourself should, if at all possible include a comfortable chair and some place to keep your plants. You can also add a bright picture of outdoors and a lamp (see further down for the types of lamps you can use).

Terrarium gardens can be an inexpensive way to start your winter garden. Start with a clear fish tank or fishbowl, place some colorful rocks, stones or marbles at the bottom and then add your plants. Depending on the size of your container you can plant a variety of plants and flowers, or if you prefer you can plant some flower bulbs. It is recommended that you plant at least one or two bright colored flower, just because of the color enhancement.

A herb garden is another way to bring your garden indoors for the winter and can even be transplanted outdoors if you chose to do so. The advantage to having a herb garden is that you can add fresh herbs to your favorite recipes! Try to keep your herb garden where it is going to get some natural light if possible; a great place is a windowsill. Buy a container that will fit on your windowsill or multiple pots, allowing some room for root growth.

When choosing the lighting for your indoor garden, try to choose one that will give the maximum sunlight like quality. There are lamps available on the market that simulate daylight and are used for people that have SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorders) they provide a natural sunlight for health and well being. Light therapy is an effective and safe treatment for SAD, and although it is not fully understood why, it is a great natural remedy and well worth trying. They are fairly inexpensive, starting around 50 dollars US.

Don’t think of summer coming to an end as the end of your gardening season; simply convert your summer garden outdoors to a piece of sunshine indoors with your winter garden.

For more gardening tips check out www.gardening-tips-n-tools.com
B. Ellis writes articles on gardening on the web site http://www.gardening-tips-n-tools.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Ellis

Feng Shui tips For Creating Harmony In Your Home

Ten Feng Shui tips For Creating Harmony In Your Home
By Dean Erickson

Feng Shui is the ancient art of placement. Physical belongings, such as furniture, candles, photographs, are arranged in specific ways so as to increase your home's harmony thereby enhancing your life.

According to ancient Chinese beliefs correct Feng Shui arrangements channel the Chi energy which creates a positive environment that can bring good fortune, health and happiness into your life. Even the colors, patterns and textures you have in your home affect your home's energy and ultimately your own well-being.

Here are some easy tips for beginners:

1. Understand that Chi energy needs to flow freely throughout your home. It needs to enter with ease through the front door and travel freely throughout your home before it exits out the back door. That means that clutter of any sort can block the energy flow. Sharp angular furniture and untidy bookshelves, for example, will cause the energy to slow down. So keep your home free of clutter.

2. Use plants to soften hard angles in your home. Keep all plants looking green and healthy. If your plants wither and die then something's wrong. What is bad for your plants is bad for you. Flowering plants are extra good luck.

3. Round dining room tables are better than square or rectangular ones. You should have an even number of dining room chairs. The décor should not detract from the food. Keep things simple, but comfortable.

4. In the bedroom: Mirrors should never face a bed. The Chinese believe that the spirit leaves the body in the night and might be disturbed by its reflection, hence causing a disturbed sleep for you. You should also never sleep with your feet in a direct line to the door. The Chinese laid out their dead with their feet to the door for easier access to heaven. You should have a solid wall behind your bed head for a solid night's sleep and never sleep under a beam.

5. In the bathroom: Always keep the toilet cover down and the bathroom door firmly closed.

6. Open your home's windows everyday for at least 20 minutes to invite fresh energy into your home. Hang a crystal at a sunny window to reflect the positive energy of the sun into your home.

7. Buy furniture that is sleek, simple and has multi-purposes. For example, a coffee table that also has drawers for storage is ideal.

8. Learn how to use a compass to identity the life corners in your home. There are lots of Internet sites with information about understanding and enhancing life corners.

9. To enhance your relationship keep photos of you and your partner enjoying life. Place photos or figurines in pairs on your bedside tables or in places that are important to you. A photo of two swans, a piece of art depicting two dolphins, two teddy bears on the bed, or two duck figurines are good examples. Feng Shui is based on placing symbols (called cures) in the home to bring about balance and harmony essential to achieving desired life goals.

10. Keep things simple, sleek, tidy.

Dean Erickson - Journalist, and web site builder Dean Erickson lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.feng-shui-living.info on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dean_Erickson

Flowers!

I've always found flowers to be a vital part of my environment. The first time I bought some, for myself...it was as if a whole new world opened up. Since then, if I don't have flowers growing that I can bring in, I stop and buy some for the house. It makes everyday special.

And even better than that, is when I can take or send flowers to a friend or family members. It's always a surprise, they fill great, and I feel good.

Here's a resource for you.

The Importance of Water in your Environment

Growing up, I remember a song called “Still Waters Run Deep” (the artist escapes my memory at the moment). There were two versions of the song and I loved them both. Though I did not realize it at the time, they were quite meditative to me.

I’ve always found peace, a sense of being grounded when I’ve been around water. While not at all still, the beach has always been a haven for me. When I’m not there, I enjoy listening to the sound of the waves while I work.

Something else that I’ve taken to is a fountain. I find an indoor fountain does a lot to transform the environment of a room. If you don’t have one, consider getting one in order to add the element of water to your environment. I’m sure you will find it soothes your soul.

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