I'm currently sitting in my office drinking Earl Gray lavender tea. There's a nice breeze blowing through the window. The palm trees sway against bright blue skies.
Another day in paradise.
Except that the world is topsy turvy at the moment. I stood in line for an hour at the grocery store yesterday; everyone had at least two carts worth of food (not toilet paper because we have butt sprayers - ha!). The ballet I was performing in next week has been postponed and all rehearsals canceled. The news is a constant flood of discouragement and worry.
When will it all end? Will anyone I know get sick? Will I get sick? I have a lung disorder so will it affect me more? Oh God, my throat hurts!
It's easy to feel upset about the state of the world right now. It's normal to feel frustrated. You might find yourself wondering, how can I live a magical life and find beauty in all this muck?
Life as we know it has changed (for the moment), but it's not over. There is plenty of beauty still around, plenty of magical moments to be found, plenty of opportunities to turn some lemons into pink lemonade.
But for those moments when you feel anxious, angry, sad, and frustrated, here are some magical ways you can calm and cleanse your spirit. And remember, just take it one day at a time.
Journal
Whether you already journal every day or haven't touched a notebook in years, now is a good time to get your thoughts on paper. Writing down your feelings about what's going on in your life, whether it's about the virus or not, is a great way to clear your mind and understand what you're thinking.
Sometimes I have no idea why I feel a certain way until I journal about it. Taking all that brain chatter and putting it on the page brings me peace, even if whatever situation or problem I'm writing about isn't solved. Just the fact that I've given those thoughts a place to rest helps me move forward.
Try it. Don't worry about grammar. Just scribble away. Get artistic if you want. Whatever helps you transform those negative feelings into more peaceful ones.
Start/End the Day with a Calming Meditation
You know the benefits of meditating so why not use this time (especially if you're stuck at home) to start and/or end the day with a meditation that soothes the soul?
Try different styles to see which ones work for you: guided, instrumental, vibration-based, ASMR, or this Collective Peace Meditation by Sage Goddess.
Aromatherapy Using Essential Oils
Whether it's a drop of essential oil perfume on your wrist or in an oil diffuser, scent is a powerful force that can transport and transform us. When you feel stressed, tired, anxious, or scared, use a corresponding oil to uplift and calm your nerves. You can wear the oil, place in a diffuser, rub on or drop into candles, infuse your bath, etc.
Essential oils to try:
- Eucalyptus - a healing aid that can be used after an illness or for purification
- Geranium - healing and eases pain
- Hyacinth - a relaxing oil that brings peace of mind
- Jasmine - relaxing, helps one sleep
- Lavender - healing, purifying, and relaxing
- Lilac - brings peace and harmony
- Nutmeg - aids in sleep
- Sesame - provides hope in times of sickness and to those who feel discouraged
Cast a Spell
A truly witchy way to calm and cleanse during trying times is to cast a spell. I found three simple spells that are perfect for easing anxiety and refreshing the spirit. Practice them throughout the coming weeks and allow peace to unfurl within you.
💜 Worry and Anxiety Spells
💜 A Happiness Ritual Bath
💜 A Spell to Help You Sleep
Drink a Cup of Herbal Tea
It's always important to stay hydrated and you can and should drink water throughout the day, but you can also add a cup or two of calming tea to your refreshment repertoire.
Lavender and chamomile tea are lovely to drink before retiring for the evening, as they help soothe nerves and aid in sleep. You can also find herbal tea blends that provide tranquility and healing.
Make a Salt Bowl
Have you ever noticed how soothing, clean, and energetically refreshing the ocean feels? Whether you're admiring the rolling waves from the shoreline or immersing yourself in the healing waters, worries, fears, and frustrations seem to melt away.
One of the reasons the beach is such a magical place is because of the salty sea and air, which have a purifying affect.
You can bring a little of that beach magic into your home by crafting a salt bowl. A salt bowl can aid in absorbing negative energy, leaving your space cleansed and refreshed.
Starlight Witch has an in-depth post about salt bowls and how you can create one that best suits your purposes.