10-Week Self-Care Challenge: Week # 2

Please read week one before you read this post. Click here to see week one.

We made it to week two in what felt like record time. How was your experience of gratitude? Did you come up with 70 things or more to be grateful for? In case you are thinking that you are now done you might want to reconsider when you read what a psychology professor at University of California, Davis (editor-in-chief of The Journal of Positive Psychology) had to say about the results of several studies conducted with over 2,000 people.

“The benefits from counting blessings are tangible, emotionally and physically,” he said. “People are 25 percent happier and more energetic if they keep gratitude journals, have 20 percent less envy and resentment, sleep 10 percent longer each night and wake up 15 percent more refreshed, exercise 33 percent more and show a 10 percent drop in blood pressure compared to persons who are not keeping these journals.” I vote to keep going but of course it is up to you.

With our hearts full of gratitude we will now turn to week number two. This week the word is water. We all know the benefits of drinking plenty of water for our health but today we are talking about the benefits of putting our bodies into the water.

When I attended retreat coach training in Colorado a few years ago I had the great pleasure of learning about and experiencing watsu. Anyone know what that is? It is a type of underwater massage. I have never experienced anything like it.  Here is an excerpt of what I wrote about it in a previous blog post.

“I was instantly struck by her deep kind eyes. All of my fear of water just melted away and I knew I would be in capable hands. She took my head in her hands and tested my body to see how well I floated on my own. Rather like a rock. So she put floats on my legs to assist her in keeping me above water as she guided my moves of floating and being led into what I can only describe as a stretching water dance!” You can read the entire blog post here. http://retreatcoach.typepad.com/retreatcoach/2007/04/below_is_the_po.html

Watch the youtube video  below, Introduction to Watsu by Harold Dull, for the full effect.

“It is never too late to become the person you want to be.” ~George Eliot

Exercise week two:
This week we explore how being in water is both physically and emotionally healing. You can do this in any way that is available to you. The ocean is ideal, your own hot tub can free you from worries or at the very least take a long bubble bath. I use lavender scented sea salt in my bath and lavender soothes me to sleep at night. Try some on a tissue under your pillow.

Those who can experience a watsu will have memories for years to come. I invite you this week to be in water at least three times and do it by first setting an intention. Is there anything you want clarity on in your life? Set an intention before entering the water and be very present with what your wise self has to say.

Please leave comments here or email me with any thoughts or challenges. I always love to hear from you.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Copyright 2009
Judith Geiger, ACC
Certified Life and Relationship Coach
Flying Change Coaching, LLC
All rights reserved.

Coach Judith inspires women starting over to let go of stress, to build self-esteem and be proactive in creating loving relationships by developing a strong sense of self. When you are ready to take on the adventure of finding the partner of your dreams, Judith has the tools and resources to allow you to move forward with confidence and ease.

Call or email Coach Judith for a free 30-minute coaching consultation. 315 497 3059