ReSourcing Ourselves

Daily Life and RelationshipsLoving OurselvesNervous System Resilience
Written By Lynn Fraser

ReSourcing for Joy, Meaning, and Authenticity: Practices for a Resilient Life

In our fast-paced world, finding moments of joy, meaning, and authenticity can feel like an uphill battle. Yet, these elements are essential for living a fulfilling and resilient life. The practice of “resourcing” is about reconnecting with our inner selves and the world around us, helping us to ground ourselves, find happiness, and live authentically. Here, we explore powerful self-regulating practices that nurture emotional well-being and build inner strength.

Connecting with Nature: A Grounding Practice

One of the simplest and most effective ways to reconnect with yourself is through nature.

Try This Exercise:

  • Go outside or stand by a window: Observe the colors around you, notice what is moving and what is still.

  • Feel your feet on the ground: Become aware of the sensations beneath your feet, whether on grass, cement, or a wooden deck.

  • Breathe deeply: Inhale slowly, taking in the scents and aromas in the air.

  • Reflect: “What do I perceive as beautiful in this moment?” Notice how this practice affects your state of mind.

Why It Works:

Connecting with nature helps to quiet the mind and anchor us in the present moment. It encourages sensory awareness, which can alleviate anxiety and enhance a sense of calmness. By observing the beauty around us, we tap into a sense of gratitude and joy.

Re-Sourcing Through Happiness: Returning to Inner Stillness

Life’s experiences, thoughts, and emotions are fleeting, but our True Nature – a state of inner stillness and awareness – remains constant. Re-sourcing through happiness is about returning to this state of stillness to reconnect with the source of energy, strength, love, and joy within us.

Guided Reflection:

  • Inner Stillness: Close your eyes and allow your mind to be drawn to the deep silence within.

  • Awareness Practice: Recognize that your body, thoughts, and experiences arise in awareness but do not define you.

  • Reconnect with Joy: Find the source within of great energy, strength, love, and joy so you can relax and act from the depths of stillness within you.

  • Healing Vibrations: Keep returning to the higher frequencies of wisdom and bliss. Let these subtle vibrations heal the lower layers of the mind, breath, and body.

Why It Works:

By grounding ourselves in inner stillness, we learn to observe our experiences without being overwhelmed by them. This practice cultivates emotional balance, resilience, and a sense of wholeness that becomes the foundation for healing and authentic living.

Joy and Fun: Reconnecting with Your Inner Child

Rediscovering joy is about rekindling the playful, spontaneous energy we often lose as adults. This practice invites you to reconnect with the simple joys of childhood and integrate them into your current life.

Reflective Questions:

  • Childhood Joys: Recall five things that brought you joy as a child. How did they make you feel? How can you bring these experiences into your life now?

  • Joyful Influences: Who is the most joyful person you know? Reflect on how you are similar to and different from them in how you experience joy.

  • Bringing Joy Into Life: What could you bring in, and what support could you tap to have more fun?

  • I am open to joy and fun: Is this something you allow yourself?

Why It Works:

Joy is a powerful emotional resource that uplifts the spirit and energizes the body. Reconnecting with joy enhances emotional resilience, reduces stress, and encourages a more positive outlook on life.

Dance It Out: Moving to Release and Have Fun

Movement is a powerful way to release tension and elevate mood. Dancing, in particular, allows us to express ourselves freely and joyfully, breaking through emotional blocks.

  • Put on uplifting music: Choose songs that resonate with you, such as:

    • "Happy" by Pharrell Williams

    • "Respect" by Aretha Franklin

    • "Imagine" by John Lennon

    • "Freedom" by Jon Batiste

    • “Big Boned Gal” by kd lang

    • "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen

  • Dance Freely: Move your body without inhibition. Let the rhythm guide you and enjoy the freedom of expression.

  • Feel the Joy: Allow yourself to feel joy, fun, and lightness as you move.

Why It Works:

Dancing engages both the body and mind, releasing endorphins and uplifting the spirit. It reduces stress, boosts energy, and helps you feel more alive and connected to your body.

Integrating Resourcing Practices into Daily Life

Resourcing is about reconnecting with our authentic selves and living with joy, meaning, and authenticity. It involves integrating practices that ground us, cultivate compassion, reconnect us with joy, and encourage us to live freely and authentically.

Continued Practice Resources:

Embrace Joy, Meaning, and Authenticity

Resourcing practices help us reconnect with the present moment and find joy, meaning, and authenticity amidst life’s challenges. Whether through nature, stillness, joy reflection, or dancing, these practices cultivate emotional resilience and a sense of wholeness. Begin your journey today and rediscover the beauty of living authentically.

You are welcome to join us Sunday to explore and have fun together! Details and link here.

Below is a guided practice we did this week.

Lynn Fraser
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Finding Strength in Stillness