“And once the storm is over
You won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive.
You won’t even be sure, in fact, that the storm is over.
But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm,
You won’t be the same person who walked in.
That’s what this storm is all about.”
~ Haruki Murakami ~
(from his novel “Kafka on the Shore”)
Hi all!
I have been using two timer apps for my Qigong, Meditation and Reiki practices and it is working well for me. Sharing with all here…
a) Meditation Timer & Log by TeleSoftas apps
https://meditationapp.wixsite.com/download-app
b) Meditation Timer by Harish Kumar Chauhan
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sohamgreens.MeditationTimer&hl=en_SG
Good day!
“No matter what he does, every person on earth plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally he doesn’t know it.”
~Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist~
To protect ourselves and to contain the virus, most of us are indoors. Below are some ways we can keep occupied while we are indoors.
1. Spend more time on yourself
Each of us must try to get active for 30-45 minutes each day. There are many ways to get active indoors. Some of the ways will be through qigong, tai chi, yoga, meditation, home exercise types of equipment such as the treadmill, etc.
From The Chopra Centre, free programs: https://chopra.com/free-programs
From The Box of Happiness, yoga and many more: http://theboxofhappiness.com/yoga-sequences/
From Live & Dare, free meditation and more: https://liveanddare.com/
From Flowing Zen, [COVID-19 Support] Learn Qigong Online from Me for Free During the Crisis: https://flowingzen.com/21150/learn-qigong-online-from-me-for-free-during-the-covid-19-crisis/
From Reiki Rays, on Reiki resources: https://reikirays.com/
2. Less Clutter, More Energy Flow
The lesser things you have, the more positive energy flows in. Are there things that need cleaning/clearing at your surroundings, closets, kitchen cabinets, etc.? When you are focused on cleaning/clearing, it will relieve you from the stress.
Clean & Happy Nest, Bright Ideas for Better Living: https://cleanandhappynest.org/wpd/category/bright-nest/
How To Make Your Home Totally Zen in 10 Steps: https://freshome.com/inspiration/how-to-make-your-home-totally-zen-in-10-steps/
3. Hobbies: Handicrafts / Sewing / Crochet / Knitting / Paint / Drawing / Colouring
Focus on hobbies that increase your creativity. When your creativity levels are high, there is no place for stress and negativity. There are many online options available.
Crochet Basic Stitches from Karen Costello Soltys: https://www.shopmartingale.com/images/marketing/how-to/pdf/BasicCrochetStitches.pdf
4. Gardening
Spend more time with the plants and feel connected and grounded to nature. Some things you can consider is to grow a new type of plant, repot an existing plant or redecorating your garden space.
The Micro Gardener: https://themicrogardener.com/ten-tips-for-creating-beautiful-gardens/
Good housekeeping: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/advice/g495/small-garden-ideas/
The Spruce, Apartment Gardening for Beginners: https://www.thespruce.com/apartment-gardening-for-beginners-4178600
5. Journal writing
Are you feeling angry and stressed? You can always write out your thoughts and feelings in a journal. By doing that, not only you are releasing all anxiety to the paper, you are lightening the load from yourself.
Tips to start a journal writing from wikiHow: https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Journal
6. Scrapbooking
Heard of this? Get creative about this.
What Is Scrapbooking? by Rebecca Ludens: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/what-is-scrapbooking-2960505
Scrapbook Ideas for Beginners: 25 Inspiring Layouts by Megan Andersen: https://www.creativelive.com/blog/scrapbook-ideas-for-beginners/
7. Sing and Hum to yourself
Sing and hum to yourself…
Singing And Humming To Yourself Can Have A Huge Impact On Your Body’s Health: https://www.littlethings.com/singing-humming-benefits
8. Cooking / Baking
With all the panic buying and stockpiling, this can be a bit challenging. Let’s be creative and create simple dishes or bake new items to try.
9. House Improvement Works
You can consider repainting your home or doing some simple home improvement works. And if you are intending to paint walls, why not use the stencils and get creative?
How to Make Wall Stencils: https://www.toolnerds.com/how-to-make-wall-stencils/
10. Write a story
Have you ever wanted to be an author or write a story? There are many online tools available to create a story online.
Commaful: https://commaful.com/writers/
For Children: https://www.imagineforest.com/
My Storybook: https://www.mystorybook.com/
11. Reading Books / Inspirational Guides
Do you still have old books stored away? It will be a good time to get them to re-read. If your nearby library is closed, you can also consider reading the electronic version of books.
12. Origami
A standard size paper of 75 x 75mm and you can make amazing crafts. It is a fantastic activity for the whole family. But do take note that origami paper comes in several sizes.
From Origmi.me: https://origami.me/
13. Board Games / Card Games
Board and/or card games will bring the nostalgic feeling of the good old days! At the same time, it will provide a break from electronics.
Top 10 Health Benefits Of Board Games: https://howgameareyou.com/health-benefits-board-games/
14. Other Ideas
Coronavirus Keeping You Home? These Fun STEAM DIY Kids Activities are Parenting Rescues! by SassyMama: https://www.sassymamasg.com/parenting-coronavirus-stay-home-kids-activities/
In short, all I can say,
Be positive! Be creative!
Blessings,
Esther
Want to know the benefits of meditation in this difficult time?
Refer to the below link for more details:
For free 21 day meditation, refer to this link from Chopra Centre:
“We should behave like a guest in this world. We should always remember that we are guests and that we have to return home.”
~ HH Bhaktaraj Maharaj ~
Times might not be right to be celebrating this…but it is necessary to be in gratitude and in happiness whatever that can be happening around us.
Refer to this link on how we all can come together to face the crisis: https://www.dayofhappiness.net/#new
There is also a 30-day coping calendar available for download.
Blessings,
Esther
