Coloring isn’t just for Children.

The word mandala itself is derived from the root “manda,”
which means essence, to which the suffix “la,” meaning container, has been
added. Thus, the derived definition of the mandala is that it is a “container
of essence.” And the word mandala in Sanskrit means “circle,” or “completion.”
As an image, a mandala may symbolize one’s mind, body and soul, all working in
unison to complete the whole of the person.

In nature, mandalas are found in many places, the solar
system is the most obvious but one can look carefully to find them in
sea-shells, snowflakes or the rings of a tree to name a few. Mandalas can also
be found throughout life as conceptual circles of friends, family, community as
well as the “circle of life.”

What are the therapeutic properties of coloring a
Mandala?

Mandalas are beautiful and they are powerful tools for
inspiration, meditation, healing and self-discovery. They come in many forms
from the most simple, to complex and intricate. Skill level is of no
consideration and this form of therapeutic coloring is used with both children
and adults.

The act of Mandala coloring is very relaxing, calming and
healing. The special circular designs of each mandala is meant to relieve
stress and tension, help enter a meditative state, remind us of our relation to
the infinite and the world that extends not only within our body and mind but
far beyond into the universe.

If you are curious about entering this meditative world,
grab your kid’s crayons, colored pencils or markers and find the 30-Minute
Mandalas Coloring Book to be most helpful!

It’s Jacuzzi Hot Tub Time!

No time like the present to take advantage of the combination of the cool breezy weather and a Jacuzzi / hot tub.

Now I know everyone doesn’t have one, but maybe this might be a good time to introduce yourself to the neighbor who does.

My husband and I bought our hot tub years ago and have always said it was the single best investment we ever made in terms of our physical and mental health. We work very hard, usually every weekend on our acre of wooded land. Cutting down trees, weeding, digging out stumps….you name it! So it is not uncommon to have sore and stressed muscles by the end of the week. A hot tub helps to relieve muscle strain which can lead to headaches and mental stress if left untreated.

Additionally, there is something just plain relaxing about having a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of wine at dusk, while enjoying the sun rise or set, being a part of nature in a tub of hot churning water. If you ever thought about purchasing a hot tub, there is no time like the present.

There is one more thing I’d like to add to this equation and that is the use of essential oils. Pure essential oils are safe to use in the hot tub, because they are not really oils at all, they are water soluble and can add to the relaxing experience of sitting in your hot tub. We like to use lavender, orange or eucalyptus. You’ll need to add approximately 20 drops in order to gain the benefit of the essential oil, evaporating in the steam. So sit back, take in nature, feel the cool breeze on your face and inhale deeply.

Hoping your day is less stressed. Mercedes.

 

Take Pleasure in the Little Things

Yesterday morning, after I dropped my daughter off at school, I got home, grabbed another cup of hot coffee and took a walk outside around our property.

We have a fairly large piece of land, lots of woods and foliage. Several gardens and all kinds of little nooks and crannies to explore. The problem is I rarely explore them, because I’m just too busy. Every day I rush by the beauty around me, neglecting to admire what has been put on this earth in it’s simplest form.

So, yesterday morning, camera in hand….I stopped to take a look. It was early morning, probably about 8:45 and slightly foggy and definitely dewy…if that’s a word? I switched to the close-up lens on my little Panasonic Lumix and went exploring.

Now I know spiders may not be very relaxing to most people, but if you leave them undisturbed and really take the time to see their handiwork, mostly done in an evening’s time….it’s really quite magnificent!

As I wandered around my own yard, I felt a calmness as I connected to nature. The Fall season is my favorite time of year with the cool crisp weather and the vibrant hues of nature falling from the tallest tree tops.

I challenge you to take 10 minutes out of your busy day to do the same. Grab your cup of coffee and walk and observe what is right in front of you. Take some time to consider the little things in it’s simplest form.

Wishing you a less stressed day, Mercedes.

Adding Color can Lift your Mood.

There has been extensive research done in the realm of color and mood. Similarly, different aromas affect the limbic system and mood, as does color. Blue and green hues are thought to be calming, whereas hot pink and red can affect the mood, ranging from exciting to agitating.

But I’m not here to necessarily talk about a specific color in respect to lifting the mood. I’m here to talk about any and all colors during the fall season. Simple decorating with color to add inspiration and energy as we embark upon the next holiday season.

The “kick-off” holiday, in my opinion is Halloween. Full of mystique and fun, Halloween can be any kind of holiday to any individual. This is a holiday of real choice….do I wear a costume or not? What sort of costume? Should I decorate the house full-tilt? Inside? Outside? What kind of treats will I offer the little witches, ghosts and princesses that arrive at my door-step? Or should I bother at all?

First of all, I have to say that Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday. I used to go full-tilt on decorations, especially when my children were young. Then after a tragic death in my family, I lost my motivation to decorate at all. And although I missed my colorful handiwork, I just could not muster the strength. But I found myself longing for those days again, even on a smaller and simpler scale. I found I was even more depressed without the color of the holidays surrounding me.

This year I added just a bit of Halloween decor to our front yard. It took me just 45 minutes to complete the project and I was so giddy with pride and happiness that I found myself going to the front yard over and over to admire it. I look forward to driving out and in the driveway so I can see the pumpkins from all angles. And at night, I just can’t wait to turn on the orange lights that delicately balance on the limbs of the little Oak tree out front. So you see, a little can go a long way to lift the mood during this holiday season. Just add a little color!

Please feel free to share any decorating ideas you may have by subscribing and commenting here. Happy Holidays!

Bed and Breakfast Inn offers a most unique and relaxing atmosphere!

 One of the most relaxing activities for me is to get away from my daily environment. It’s an opportunity to not be reminded of all the laundry that needs to be washed, weeds that need to be pulled and dishes that should be washed.

Whether you’re an impulsive soul or someone who plans every detail, one of the joys in life is the ability to take long weekend vacations. A long weekend consists of either taking the preceeding Friday or the next Monday off if you can swing it, packing a small bag and driving a distance of no more than five to six hours. I challenge you now to look at a map of where you live, and draw a circumference of approximately 350 miles around it and you will find hundreds of cities and activities just within your reach for a wonderfully relaxing weekend.

One such city is Alford, Florida and the activity  is staying at the La Maison de Lucy Bed and Breakfast Inn. It is located approximately 45 miles north of Panama City Beach.

I don’t even know where to start….the unique and imaginative decor, or the beautiful grounds and pool, or the warm family-like hospitality of the owner/operator, or the delicious and detailed foods that are served?

The B&B was once an old brick school-house, so it does not look like your typical Victorian-style Inn, but don’t let that dissuade you. The minute you walk through the front door, look down the long hallway, smell fresh herbs cooking and meet Michael and Mary Alice, you will be hooked! You will immediately feel better than being at home. Your stress will melt like a Popsicle in the sun and you will be well on your way to one of the most relaxing times of your life. (This is NOT a paid advertisement!)  What is most unique about this B&B is that every room has been decorated to represent a different country or city. So for example, one can choose to stay in Italy, Morocco or Hollywood. The link above gives full details about all the rooms available.

If you have never stayed at a B&B, you really need to give it a try. It is totally different than the hotel/motel experience. It’s quaint, quiet, smaller, friendlier and personal. Breakfast is always included and is usually very scrumptious. Dining is usually family-style, so you will meet the other individuals who are also staying. Activities such as playing games or local sight-seeing are encouraged. And hopefully at the end of your visit you will feel like family and want to return as soon as possible, as I did.

If you have experienced staying at a Bed and Breakfast, have a suggestion or just want to comment, please feel free.

 

Gardening for Relaxation

Don’t get me wrong, I know gardening is hard work, but it can also be very relaxing.

I am an avid gardener. I love getting dirt under my nails, planning out my flower beds, tending gently to the new seedlings as they begin to sprout and watching the plant grow to full maturity.

I love planting perennials most, because you get to see the fruits of your labors year after year. And usually the perennial will get bigger and better as time goes on. On our property we have fruit trees that were planted as a saplings, herb gardens fresh with basil, tarragon and thyme, peppers, tomatoes and some times the occasional pumpkin will self plant because I left the jack-o-lantern to rot in the yard.

But flowers are my favorite, I talk to them and water them. I feed them with fertilizer and then I sit back and watch as they bloom into beautiful bursts of color. I feel a sense of peace and connectedness to the earth as I do my part to beautify this planet.

Relax while Feeding our Feathered Friends

I get this from my mom. I remember as a child, my mom having lots of bird houses out in our backyard. I remember her throwing out stale bread crumbs and how the birds in Ohio, most cardinals and blue jays would flock around for the food. I remember in the spring finding the small particles of nesting materials in the small holes of the bird houses and then anxiously waiting until we heard the small chirps of baby birds.

Nothing brings me more joy than feeding the birds, sitting at dusk with a glass of merlot or iced tea, watching the variety of birds come to feast at my bird buffet, nestled gently among the branches of a Granny Smith apple tree in my backyard.

There is something magical about these little creatures of flight. They way they come and go, so quickly. How they patiently wait for us humans to go away before they alight on the perch of the feeder and tentatively and suspiciously consume the food we have generously put out for them.

I find delight in the color of the cardinals, the territorial nature and squawk of the blue jays and the aerodynamics of the ruby-throated hummingbirds. I have sat for hours watching them, quietly contemplating nature, finishing my day thoroughly relaxed.