Manifestation and meditation practices seem to have taken to the web in mass volumes over the course of the pandemic. Or perhaps you've seen the affirmation chants flowing all over Tik Tok? It's no wonder these practices seem to be taking a lead during this crazy year. People are looking for new ways to practice self-care and affirmation practices are important for us to really dive into what the power we have in our words, friends! ​

I've spoken before the concepts of the subconscious messages behind music you listen to or the thoughts that you choose to live with. However, what if we shift that mindset to only look at the good things or to consciously create more beauty and love in our lives? What if we present the idea to ourselves that there are more positive than negative things/ideas that we can focus on? What if we decide to tell ourselves the narrative of our day and really manifest the messages we want in that moment?

Affirmations are becoming increasingly popular, but what are they really? To affirm means to validate the truthfulness of something. Affirmations are confirming the validity and truth behind a statement or idea. Generally, we focus on positive concepts or ideas that are based in uplifting our mind, body or spirit. 

I like to think of affirmations as words of power. One of my inspirations, Veronica Varlow, likes to say "Words are wands." Affirmations are magic and remind us of the power within. If we consistently practice our magical words those words of power can alter our mindsets during a tough time or at least give us a shining light of hope. In the best of times affirmations can help amp you up and get you pumped for a big day or a tough work out. Almost like your best friend or trainer saying "You got this!"

Below I've shared a few of my favorite affirmations, but I'd love to hear some of yours in the comments. <3

• I love and accept myself as I am.
• I am deserving of love and welcome it freely.
• I welcome good things into my life.
• I am enough.
• I am worthy of love and respect.
• I am the creator of my life path.
• I get better in every way with every passing day.
• My past does not dictate my future.
• Good things are flowing to me in abundance.
• The more fun I have the more money I make. (Thanks Gala Darling!)
• Every dollar I spend comes back to me times three.
• I have all that I need and all I need, I have. 

Encourage your mind to focus on one of these affirmations to shift your mindset into something more positive. Choose one of these affirmations and commit to repeating it like a mantra for a week. Challenge yourself to stand in front of your mirror each morning and repeat this mantra while you get ready for your day. Record yourself saying an affirmation and put it on repeat as you meditate or work-out. 

How else can we utilize affirmations? Let me know in the comments. 
- Jenn Rose

(Foggy Mirror Photo by Vinicius "amnx" Amano on Unsplash)

We are certainly living in interesting times, friends and while I'm not going to talking about the virus I do want to talk about maintaining your balance, checking in with your center and gifting yourself the time you need for self-care! Right now, more than ever we need to focus on keeping ourselves healthy and happy as much as possible, whether you're currently working from home for the first time or on the front lines. Keeping a routine self-care check in will help now and in the future once we've put all this behind us. 

When the going gets tough and I forget who I am, one of my go-to's is always meditation. While I believe there is a meditation style for everyone, you may just have to try a few to find what resonates with it. I find it's similar to the different styles of yoga; not everyone is into a Hot Power Flow style class and maybe a Yin yoga class is more your jam. I'm here to say to each their own style of yoga and meditation. 

One of my favorite styles of meditation is often called "mindfulness". This concept is growing more and more since it allows you to connect to something you see, hear, feel and use your senses to meditate. Depending on your definition of mediation this may or may not be your personal preference, but I believe that meditation is a concentrated focus either on a visualization, something physical or on a concept. With that in mind if running works that for you, then it's also a form of meditation. 

Sometimes I think there's a reason we tend to get sick during the wintery months; other than the bitter cold air. It's a time that we are forced inside and for good reason! It's time to look inward and reconnect to your intuition. Gift yourself time to rest so you can reflect, refine and redefine your life. 

First up, It's been a while and a whirlwind.
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So much has been happening in my day to day that I haven't been able to keep up a regular blog schedule; which should be a reminder to check in with my priorities/goals before I became overwhelmed! Needless to say the Universe replays messages until we get them and if we learn to lean into the seasons we're about to learn how good it feels to let go of things just like the leaves on the trees. 

Sitting with the Seasons is a concept I've been toying with for some time. Autumn is such a good example of this concept. I'm all about feeling the vibes of the seasons and Fall is about letting go. We often know we should let go of things when they no fit, are useful, etc. However, I find it's often the memories associated with that thing/pattern that we have a hard time releasing. 

This is where the trees can teach us a thing or two. ​

I've always liked to write and while I love my blog, there's just something beautiful and magical seeing your own handwriting on paper. Growing up I kept a diary to help process my thoughts and keep track of those exciting moments. Now-a-days I see my journal work as a key component of my self-care practice. ​

​How, you ask? Check out these four different ideas on how to use your journal for self-care.

Today is my birthday and I'm super excited to continue my yearly self love tradition as a gift to treat myself. We all deserve a little extra love and care on our birthday and who better than you to treat yo'self?! (Cue Parks & Rec Tom & Donna montage).

I'm all about simple self love rituals; whether its buying yourself flowers or treating yourself to the "fancy coffee". Self love and self-care do not have to be about expensive spa days--though it could. It's about taking the time to acknowledge yourself and gift yourself some "me time". ​

This ritual is simple but requires a few items to amp up the ambiance. If you don't have the exact item, try substituting whatever makes sense via your beautiful intuition. This ritual is designed to happen before you shower, but if you're pressed for time you can at least bring that sugar scrub in the shower and feel luxurious afterward. Or treat yourself to a long hot bath after complete with rose petals, your beverage of choice and a good book.