Mokugen was never known to smile until his last day on earth. When his time came to pass away he said to his faithful ones: “You have studied under me for more than ten years. Show me your real interpretation of Zen. Whoever expresses this most clearly shall by my successor and receive my robe and bowl.”
Everyone watched Mokugen’s severe face, but no one answered.
Encho, a disciple who had been with his teacher for a long time, moved near the bedside. He pushed forward the medicine cup a few inches. This was his answer to the command.
The teacher’s face became even more severe. “Is that all you understand?” he asked.
Encho reached out and moved the cup back again.
A beautiful smile broke over the features of Mokugen. “You rascal,” he told Encho. “You worked with me ten years and have not yet seen my whole body. Take the robe and bowl. They belong to you.”
The way our bodies respond to sounds that startle us and set off our fight-or-flight reaction can help us understand how sounds affect the neurological system. Using healing sounds to balance out the inevitable pressures in our daily lives can have a profound impact on your nervous system.
Chanting mantras can be an active kind of sound therapy (more on that later!). or as passive as lying in bed with headphones on and listening to healing frequencies on YouTube. To get the most out of the experience, think about attending a sound bath in your neighborhood, where all you have to do is unwind and enjoy whatever benefits the sound medicine has to offer!
Forest Bathing
Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is a straightforward (and cost-free!) spiritual practice that has its roots in Japan and has a profound impact on your body, mind, and spirit.
Taking a forest bathe is an excellent way to practice mindfulness in the present moment and strengthen your bond with Mother Earth.
Locate a peaceful area in the outdoors where you can stroll around unassisted (you can use a park or your backyard, whatever works!). Turn off or leave your phone in your car so you can detach and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of your surroundings.
Let your senses lead the way and heed your instincts. Let your inner child play and explore by allowing yourself to really touch and feel the textures of the surrounding ground and tree trunks! You can even get grounding effects by walking barefoot. Take as much time as you need to forest bathe.
Crystal Healing
Crystals are a form of vibrational healing, much like light, sound, and aromatherapy. This implies that their potent primary resonance frequency, or vibration, is the reason behind their effectiveness. Every object in your environment vibrates, and crystals have very strong and consistent vibrations because of their flawless molecular structure.
Because we are not as flawless as crystals are at the molecular level, greater vibrations can more easily control our vibration. The frequencies of the crystals we hold or surround ourselves with can raise our own body’s through the law of entrainment.
Construct an altar or sacred area
There is nothing like a sacred area in your house to bring magical intentions into your life. This is a great way to use sentimental objects you may have lying around the house in a creative way, and it may also act as a marker for your spiritual development.
You don’t need a lot of space or an expensive setup to create a sacred area or shrine. To accomplish the task, a square foot of space on a table is sufficient; however, if available, you can occupy an entire room! An altar is the home for sacred things you’ve collected from feathers to candles to crystals and should be in a place that won’t easily be disturbed by pets or kids.
Make advantage of your sacred area for your prayers, meditations, building crystal grids, and pulling oracle decks—the possibilities are unlimited! Use your creativity to arrange your environment in a way that inspires you and motivates you to spend time there on a daily basis.
It’s simple but a bit different. Music therapy uses music and its elements such as sound, rhythm, and harmony to achieve specific purposes like stress reduction and improved quality of life. A trained music therapist works with you to understand your needs, preferences, and experiences to find a solution just for you!
They assess your progress and coordinate with other healthcare providers as needed. These sessions might vary in number, duration, and activities, which may include singing, playing instruments, composing music, or discussing the emotional impact of music. Sounds exciting? Now let’s get into the healing power of music therapy.
The healing power of music therapy Benefits of music therapy include: It triggers different parts of the brain connected with memory, emotions movement coordination sensory processing reflex responses decision-making process, and reward pathways.
Lowers heart rate and reduces blood pressure levels. Relaxes muscle tension Releases endorphins Reduces anxiety levels and mitigates stress. Builds motor skills while enhancing communication abilities among children who have developmental or learning impairments.
The Need for Individual Autonomy in a Relationship
Physical and emotional privacy is essential for preserving your sanity and sense of self; it is not a luxury. While being devoted to your partner all the time may seem romantic at first, it frequently creates a tense and stuffy atmosphere. Maintaining a healthy balance between “we” and “me” time allows you both to grow as individuals and keeps the partnership vibrant.
Tips to Communicate Your Need for Space
Sincerity is essential. Don’t be afraid to let your lover know that you need some personal space. Make your argument using “I” words, such as “I need some alone time to recharge,” so that your partner doesn’t feel left out or held accountable. It all comes down to compromise and honest communication.
Real-life Example
Consider Alex and Casey, who make it a point to have separate activities one night a week. Tom plays hoops with pals, and Sarah signs up for a reading club. Their time together becomes more meaningful as a result of their time apart, which also promotes personal development.
Boundary #2: Emotional Boundaries
Protecting Your Emotional Well-Being
Your emotions are your responsibility, and the same holds true for your partner. Setting emotional boundaries means understanding that you can’t be the sole emotional support for someone else, nor can they be that for you. Setting this limit is essential to your mental health.
Actionable Steps
To communicate your emotions and what you require, use “I” statements. Establish the practice of checking in with oneself. What are you feeling at the moment? Is this a feeling I have or am I absorbing it from my partner?
Boundary #3: Financial Boundaries
The Role of Financial Independence
Money is often cited as a leading cause of stress in relationships. Setting financial boundaries, such as agreeing on shared expenses or individual spending caps, can thereby greatly reduce mental stress for both parties.
Tips on Having the Money Talk
It’s critical to discuss money openly from the beginning of a relationship. Talk about shared budgets, individual earnings, and financial objectives. Openness is essential.
Real-life Example
Jordan and Taylor, who have been together for five years, have a shared account for household expenses but also maintain individual accounts for personal spending. They are able to live freely financially thanks to this arrangement, which doesn’t strain their bond.
Boundary #4: Technology and Social Media
The Necessity of Digital Boundaries
Let’s face it, the digital world can be intrusive. It can be annoying and alienating to have your phone beep every minute with social media notifications when you’re attempting to have dinner with your significant other.
Tips for Setting Boundaries Around Phone Usage
Set up “no phone zones” or “tech-free times” during the day, especially during meals or other shared activities. This establishes a special area for high-quality communication.
Real-life Example
Morgan and Riley have a rule: no phones at the dinner table. Both of them are less stressed as a result of this straightforward barrier, which has also helped them become more present in their interactions.
The fragrant essential oils of lemongrass will fill your kitchen with the scent of Asian cooking as you prepare this ‘Lemongrass Carrot Soup’. Put some relaxing music on and allow the aromatic nature of this meal calm the mind as you unwind. The vibrant orange of carrot and delicate cilantro greens will brighten up your evening meal.
If you tend to feel stressed out, irritable or experience skin inflammation (particularly in the summer months), you may have too much internal heat. This meal packs an anti-inflammatory punch that will pacify Pitta and cleanse overheated, toxic blood leaving you feeling cool, calm and collected.
Aromatic and diaphoretic, lemongrass relaxes the peripheral circulatory system and clears excess heat from the blood. Its light and dry nature and pungent taste means is stokes the digestive fire and reduces the build up of digestive toxins. However its cooling energy means it is still suitable for Pitta. Combined with carrots and turmeric, renowned blood purifiers and anti-inflammatory foods, this meal is most suitable in spring and summer to leave you feeling fresh and energized.
Ingredients
3 c COCONUT MILK
16 g CILANTRO
2 tbsp GHEE
4 whole CARROT
1 tbsp MAPLE SYRUP
1 tbsp LEMONGRASS
1 tsp TURMERIC
1 c VEGETABLE STOCK
1/2 inch GINGER (FRESH)
Instructions
1. In large pot, heat ghee on medium.
2. Add diced onion and gently fry for about 5 minutes or until translucent.
3. Remove tough outer skin of the lemongrass and pound with a rolling pin (to release essential oils).
4. Add to pot along with ginger, turmeric and chopped carrots and continue to sautee for 5-10 minutes.
5. Add coconut milk and vegetable stock and simmer for 20 minutes until carrots are tender.
6. Remove lemongrass, stir in maple syrup and blend to smooth consistency.
Anna Godfrey 
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