Touch
Self-touch, like face massage or lymphatic drainage is a soothing activity which grounds you, as it connects yourself through your physical self. As you engage in these connections with self, remind yourself what your body has taken you through, and take a moment of gratitude that your vessel keeps you strong.
Taste
When you eat, focus on foods which engage you. Which foods bring you comfort, or memories which sooth you when the day is over. I have fallen in love with ginger. It is the perfect amount of kick, which brings me back to my body, into the present, to feel the tingling.
For me phở is the most comforting dinner. It is full of vegetables, which are so fresh, it feels like they have just been taken from someone’s garden. It is so warm, with a broth that warms the soul, and soft noodles which are so filling. When I eat this, it reminds me of the warmth of home and of my time in Vietnam. It was the first food I ate, and marked a beginning of travel which has been transformative.
Sound
I enjoy music which calms the mind, mainly calming classical orchestral pieces. My favourite classical piece is Frédéric Chopin’s nocturne in C-sharp minor. I first heard it in The Pianist and was struck by the key and the possibility non-lyrical music had for provoking profound emotion. I quite like crying to music without lyrics, because it often releases something that isn’t in my conscious mind.
I feel like it is a relief, especially as someone who details my emotions and experiences, it is a time when I let things go that I cannot choose or control. My memories crying for an unknown reason are more cathartic and natural, without my conscious mind burdened with thoughts or memories.
Smell
I like a strong scent to bring me back to my environment, and help me to stay present. Finding my signiture scent/scents also give me a sense of who I am and what I like. Not everything is complicated, and knowing which perfumes I like makes me remember I have a strong sense of who I am, in the little things.
Incense, perfume and candles are good ways to associate peace and calm in your environment, whilst creating moments of connection with it. I feel like my room smelling nice makes me want to keep it tidy and inspires me to engage in activities like journalling.
The view
So much of life is art, but you have to frame and look for it. Finding something, like nature or something manmade which has a feel of beauty transforms my eyes into my own personal cameras. The more I look for these moments, the more I see elegance in everyday life. It’s a bit of hope, even on a bad day.
