Palms Up, Gaze Down
Coping and Grounding (December 18, 2022)
So tonight (yes, I am up late tonight—but I’ll get better about getting to bed earlier), for coping, I selected enjoying something scented, and for grounding, taking a hot shower. For further sensory grounding, I put a bit of chest rub on my lips (only if you dare! I do not want my readers to blame me for any mishaps—try as you deem). I sprayed on one of my favorite perfumes (yes, for going to bed), and thought of what I loved about it, and how it made me feel—did it make my skin feel softer? I did I feel refreshed or perhaps drowsy; even a bit—erm… sexy? When I took a hot shower (before the perfume), I fully engaged my senses by feeling the hot water on my skin and running down my shoulders. I thought of how my muscles were relaxing and how my breathing had changed (I certainly noted how cold I was when I had to step out!). As odd as it sounds (and perhaps is), I found the feeling of chest rub on my lips quite nice, and it helped me feel even more calm. Right now my friends, I am feeling quite good, and as if I will rest well (with a bit of tea, of course). I’ll try engaging my senses again tomorrow with respect to pleasant smells by hanging a rag or a piece of cloth up in the shower that has lavender oil on it. I’m hoping the warmth and humidity will encourage the smell to become stronger. But you see my friends, we are made to experience this life. It may be through thrusting a hand in a jar of grape jelly and reflecting on how it feels and how it made you feel that grounds you. Be open (but safe).
Tonight’s ‘supplies’:
A shower with good hot water (or whatever temperature you find most soothing)
Soap or shower gel that makes your skin feel very soft—nothing drying or harsh in the skin. I naughtily skipped lotion, but I do recommend it as part of self-care.
Perfume (no matter how expensive! You are the special occasion) or essential oils (caution: if you are using essential oils, be sure consult the instructions for ratios of carrier oils to the essential oils).
(Optional) Chest rub or lip balm that is mint or eucalyptus.