Writing my way through the A-to-Z blogging challenge, I’ve tasked myself with exploring the concepts of pronoia (the belief that the universe is conspiring to shower us with blessings), quiety (serenity) and peace – all through the lens of unusual, obscure, or simply delightful-to-me words.
H is for…
hesychastic – soothing, quieting, calming.
In complex, chaotic times it seems especially important to find hesychastic practices to help restore one to a state of peace and quiety.
Here are some simple suggestions.
- As an aromatherapist I often turn to essential oils. Lavender, bergamot, and clary sage are known for their calming qualities and are lovely to keep on hand. Whenever working with essential oils it’s always wise to use caution and research safety. For example, while lavender is generally considered one of the safest oils, bergamot can be photosensitizing, meaning you shouldn’t apply it and go out in the sun.
- A series of slow deep breaths can be very calming. I like to take 5 slow very deep breaths with my hand over my heart, but the beauty of this practice is that you can do it anywhere, any time and no one actually needs to know you’re doing it.
- Standing outside in nature, and simply consciously grounding yourself can be hugely effective. Bonus points if you can stand in your bare feet and really feel the connection.
- Water can be very soothing. Listening to gently lapping waves can be hypnotizingly calming. But soaking in an herb- or flower- or bubble-infused bath is delightful as well. Slowly sipping some water, consciously focusing your attention as opposed to gulping distractedly is also helpful. It’s exponentially more effective if you put a few drops of vibrational flower essences in the water as well.
- Simple mudras, hand postures, can be surprisingly effective as well. The Gyan mudra is one of the simplest and most recognized and can have a calming effect. Simply touch the tip of the index finger and thumb.
Or perhaps we can heed Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s suggestion:
“Arranging a bowl of flowers in the morning can give a sense of quiet in a crowded day – like writing a poem or saying a prayer.”
What about you – what’s your favorite hesychastic practice? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
Lovely post Deborah thank you! I’ll remember to do the mudras every now and then. And, yes, being barefoot on the grass, even if, maybe especially if, wet from glorious rain is so connecting. Lying on the grass (when not wet) is a practice that’s just come to mind .. I love arranging flowers – it is so calming. Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s quote is apt ..
Dew-wet grass is one of my favorites as well. Bonus points for standing in the grass smelling flowers. 🙂 Wishing you a lovely hesychastic day Susan.
I love the sound of lapping water or rain. It really is one of the most soothing sounds I know.
Tasha
Tasha’s Thinkings – Shapeshifters and Werewolves
I agree Tasha.
I learned the five deep breaths practice from Liz Lamoreux and going to the beach to watch the waves is my favorite relaxation, although I don’t do it as often as I could, even though we live quite close. Thanks for the new word!
Janet
H is for Huey Lewis
Wave-watching/listening is such a delightful relaxation. How wonderful you have a nearby source Janet. Maybe it will become your new de-stress destination.
That’s the second time I’ve come across the word in recent weeks! (The first was in Christianity: the first three thousand years.) My favourite practice is probably walking.
It’s always interesting to me when uncommon words show up multiple times. Walking is a perfect practice, and this time of year with all the Spring-evoked beauty is truly one of my favorites. Happy walking Kathleen.
Lavender and Epson salt soak, in candle light or watching the waves in the moonlight! Heavenly!
Oh yes Yolanda – those both sound perfectly soothing! Yum.
I find a slice of lemon in a cool glass of water to be one of the most calming things on earth. It’s simple, but whenever I have one I immediately slow down, focusing on the energy within the glass that is going into me. Don’t know how I developed this habit, but for me it works.
That’s perfect! Simple mindful practices can be so much more helpful than we can imagine they might be. And I love when those practices that just seem to naturally evolve – it’s as though we’ve been listening to our quiet inner whisperings and paying heed.
I have some lavender oil because I heard it helps with sleep and with IC pain, and I need help with both of those.
~Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
Story Dam
Patricia Lynne, Indie Author
I do hope you find ease with both those issues. I recently found a wild lavender essential oil that is one of my new favorite soothing scents.
Reading the post is proving to be wonderfully calming in and of itself. 🙂 Walking through the forest is my favorite calming activity. I haven’t tried it barefoot though…
Forest walks are pure delight – it can be so easy to slip into nature’s rhythm among the trees can’t it?