Hey Everyone! Welcome to the Wellness Forum! We're going to start things off here with a fun poll! When you are in need of balance, what helps you get there? Is it yoga, dancing, writing, etc? What helps you get back in touch with or maintain your overall sense of well-being? If you have a suggestion to add to what I've listed, definitely let me know!

Thanks for voting!

Hello there!
Interesting poll! For me, something relaxing like a nice bath, music and candles helps or a Spa treat (even home made).... Very relaxing!
B.

Hey Babaloo! Good to meet you and thanks for posting:)! Yes, I agree, a relaxing bath with candles, music, and wonderful scents is a special treat for me too.

There is a great book called "Water Magic" by Mary Muryn that talks about how healing and balancing baths can be, plus gives pages and pages of bath recipes for all types of situations from aching joints to spirit cleansing. Have you come across this book perchance? Maybe I'll review it one day!

And of course, it goes without saying that treating myself to a spa day is one of my favorite ways to rejuvenate!

You know what also helps me, interestingly enough? A fresh glass of water. In tight, time-constrained and stressful situations, a glass of water does wonders!

Take care!
Leah :music:

Hi Leah!
A glass of water? Why not?! I'm actually trying green tea at the moment - specifically at work. My previous manager used to drink it and she always came across as a very calm person and very balanced. I'm still getting used to the taste of it but I have to admit sitting down to drink a cup of tea is definitely relaxing. A glass of water probably works the same way!
I think it's all about taking some time out - if only a few minutes! What you do in that time probably doesn't matter that much, as long as it relaxes you and makes you feel well.
The book you mention definitely sounds interesting! I'll keep an eye out for it in the shops. Interestingly enough water totally relaxes me, whether it's a bath or a walk along the beach. Could this have something to do with my star sign?! I'm Pisces.... <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Love to see more in this forum!
B.

Good question. I'm a water baby too.. swimming in a pool or bath complete with bath salts and candles is a wonderful thing.. fishing also can be relaxing (especially if the fish aren't biting) just watching the water.. great! I also love candles.. light a bunch of candles and turn out the lights.. oh.. and sitting watching a fireplace or christmas tree lights.. ok.. so I'm rambling. And I'll probably be asphixiated by my candle smoke someday. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Oooh fishing! Now that's something I've always wanted to do, but still haven't had the opportunity. I imagine, like you said, that it is very relaxing! How about walking along the beach or lakefront? I live right off Lake Michigan here in Chicago and its so nice to be able to get up in the morning and take a walk along the lake! It's kind of like an active form of meditation for me:).

Oh and Babaloo, I can definitely see how green tea can help you stay mellow and balanced. Anti-oxidants affect so many aspects of our physiology. My latest tea of choice for balance is Stinging Nettles. It tastes a lot like greens:), but once you get past that, it's fabulous;)!

Leah :music:

I envy you.. living close to a lake. I miss the beach very much. We used to live in Waianae Hawaii and went to the beach all the time. That may have been where I picked up the water baby thing <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I imagine that is a wonderful time to meditate! I've heard a lot about the benefits of green tea.. some claim that it helps you lose weight also.. but I don't know if that is true or not.

Hi All,

I voted for Yoga, but gardening really does it for me. Not only is it terrific exercise, but it balances me mind, body and spirit.

In Wellness,

Carolyn :music:

I voted for Meditation because most of what I do to feel well has a medatative quality. (Though you would RARELY find me sitting in lotus position chanting Ohm!)

I hike and create art. Hiking allows me to get intouch with all of the elements and keeps me grounded. I love to hike in the mountains where there are streams and ponds, the warmth of the sun and the breezes through the tall lodgepole pines. Not to mention the overall health benefits!

Art allows me to express my spirit in ways that there may not be words for. Together they make me feel whole.

I know what you mean Fiona:), most of the things I do I feel are meditative in some way or another. I'm a dancer for instance, and even though the type of dance I do (mambo) isn't usually seen as "meditative", for me when I really get into a zone, I really am in an altered state, totally relaxed and rejuvenating myself, you know:).

Gardening is a big one for me too Carolyn! I am lucky to work at one of the plant conservatories here in Chicago so I'm constantly around plants, which is just lovely! I'm actually hoping to start the Master Gardener's program here in the winter:).

I'm sending out my biweekly newsletter tomorrow, so hopefully we can get some other folks to cast a quick vote too;)!

take care!

Leah :music: