The Sacred Container: continued

Whether it's your body, bedroom or workspace, the containers we create have a huge impact on how we function.

On a practical level, your space should fit your flow. If you have too much clutter, it's hard to be mindful of what to focus on.

Notice how you flow through your space. Is it graceful and zen-like? Or does it take a lot of effort? If it isn't offering a seamless flow, then look at where the traffic jams are, and see how you can re-work them to not only fit your movement through that space, but to be beautiful as well.

There is very little we can lay claim to as our own. Everything we rely on to live is a gift from the earth, and our only way of honoring and repaying that gift is to make beauty from what we take. Notice opportunities to make more beauty in your surroundings, with words, music, a good thorough cleaning, fresh flowers, cleaning out that clutter, and making your space a living altar that honors you and everyone who visits your space.

For the body, this is tending to your nails (a good home manicure and pedicure could bring new life to your love life (claws and dirty nails in the bed are NOT seductive).
Your hair (I cut my own, but I do keep it healthy and trimmed). Your skin (exfoliate with a natural sponge or gentle scrubber and then keep it fed with healthy moisturizers. Harsh, perfumed stuff is like sugar in a gas tank. It gums up the works, and your skin is the largest organ you have. It reflects health, and disease).

Ritual: When I get into the shower, I like to give thanks for the hot water that runs so easily into the bath. I consciously think about washing away the old stuff (energy, skin cells, everything that no longer serves me), and then when I dry off and moisturize, I do a little reiki (you don't need to be attuned in reiki to do this), and bless my body as I apply my skin nutrients. I send loving messages to myself. Especially the parts I judge. I give it a good loving rub, ask it to be alive and awake and take in my love and appreciation. Personally, I've found that this has helped me to get rid of both my feelings about "inadequacy" and has helped to improve the physical beauty of those parts. Try it. It can't hurt.