Sunday Check-In: Creativity, Chakra Releases, Herbs & Sleep
Another week has come and gone. Not too many epiphanies on my end this week, but I did receive a wide range of questions, from creativity and emotional release in chakra work to herbs and sleep patterns. Let me give you a look at what's coming out content-wise this week, and then let's dive right in.
Coming This Week
On YouTube:A fresh yoga class is on the way. It's a backbending-for-energy practice filmed outside against a beautiful wall of green.
On Patreon:We'll have a new yoga class as well, so get those requests in if you have them. There will also be a new foot-focused class coming out.
For the Esoteric Tier:A fresh somatic sensuality class is on the way. I'd love to film outside, but we'll see how the bugs cooperate. Maybe I'll hike somewhere instead. If I do end up hiking, I'll be sure to share some behind-the-scenes footage.
What does a creative person look like to you in everyday life? Do you think a creative person approaches problems differently than someone who isn't?
I may be biased here because I consider myself a very creative person. However, I think we are all creative, and if you think you aren't, you simply haven't found your niche yet.
Limiting beliefs play a large role in how we think about our own creativity. The more you tell yourself you're not creative, the less willing you'll be to see your own potential. There's also the question of what we allow ourselves to accept. Sometimes, in order to feel creative, we feel like we need the approval of others. You don't, but it can be scary to go against the grain and put your weird ideas out into the world.
Creative thinking is a skill, and one that improves and evolves the more you use it.
How can you start developing your creativity? Stop censoring yourself. If you shut down every thought because you can immediately see why it won't work, or because you think you aren't capable, eventually the ideas will stop coming.
Ask the universe to give you the idea. Wait for your "aha" moment, and most importantly, act on it in some way.
Practice creative thinking in everyday tasks. Flex that muscle in how you choose your outfits, wash the dishes, or decorate your home. Become more present with the colors and textures that genuinely please you, regardless of what's trendy.
Approach problems creatively. If you have kids or animals, they're constantly inviting you to think outside the box. Use that as an opportunity. How can you solve the problem in a unique way?
Problem-solving and creativity go hand in hand. To create something new from something existing and influence the outcome requires creative thinking. Creativity is a skill, and while we'll all have strengths and weaknesses in different areas, I guarantee you have a creative bone in your body if you're willing to think outside the box, explore your strengths with excitement, and let go of preconceived notions about what it means to be a creative person.
When people cry during chakra work, do you see that as an energetic release, a psychological response, or some combination of the two?
We can think of chakra work as energy work. Massage, yoga, meditation, breathwork, and dance can also create similar experiences.
In a world where everything is energy and the body is dense, energetic blockages can occur. These may stem from physical or psychological trauma, whether old or new. The body, mind, and soul are intimately connected.
The release of that blockage may cause someone to cry, or it may not. Perhaps there is simply a feeling of relief and openness. There are no rules. Despite the tears, these experiences are often accompanied by a lighter mood and a greater sense of ease in the body. They can feel like tears of relief.
What herbs do you gravitate toward and appreciate?
Phew, this is a tough one.
Herbs can be such a beautiful way to bring both presence and wellness into your life. From aromatherapy to their beauty in the landscape and the potential benefits they may offer, there's so much to appreciate. To narrow things down, I'm going to focus on scent.
There are the well-known favorites we all recognize: lavender for relaxation, clary sage for focus, and just about anything citrus.
Then there are the local plants that feel like home. You probably have them where you live, too, if you'd like to play along. We all have scents that remind us of home, and it's a wonderful practice to use your nose while outdoors to discover what the plants in your area are offering.
As I write this, it's raining, and the Arizona cypress is releasing its unique fragrance. It's somehow woody, green, slightly lemony, and completely delightful. Mt. Lemmon marigold is about to burst into bright yellow blooms. It has a strong scent that many people dislike, but I find it pleasant and unique. A simple brush against the plant fills the air with a thick, acrid citrus aroma.
There's also a passionflower variety whose blooms smell a bit like mothballs. It's not a scent I particularly enjoy, but it still feels like home.
What plant scents remind you of home? Maybe it's freshly cut grass from a nearby field, a rose bush in the yard, or a patch of oregano growing by the porch.
Practice noticing what the plants around you are offering, even if their fragrances aren't considered popular. Pay attention to the scents that usually go overlooked.
Have you noticed your circadian rhythm changing as you've gotten older? What was this like during your days dealing with addiction?
Good question, and one I've been learning more about recently, especially regarding sleep patterns.
It's now understood that whether you're naturally a night owl or an early bird has a strong genetic component. I've always been an early-to-bed, early-to-rise kind of person. There were periods when I worked night shifts, and while I adapted, I never truly preferred it.
As for addiction and circadian rhythms, alcohol completely disrupted everything.
Good sleep disappeared. Bedtimes became later so I could stay up drinking until eventually passing out. Everything was out of balance. Emotionally and physically, I was a wreck, though I didn't fully realize it at the time.
It wasn't until I had spent enough time away from alcohol that I could clearly see just how much it had affected every aspect of my health and well-being.
May you have a blessed week!
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