20 1ips 1o e Your MosI AuIhenIic SelI

BY BET5l lRl5 MUF5ON

jUNE 5, 2014 4:26 AM EDT
Sove orticIe
Moving forward with wisdom and |oy requires regular "stops" to reconnect with our
true selves, the essence of who we are. Although we may be evolving in certain ways,
the underlying fear of going nowhere often keeps us from giving ourselves even a
moment to tune in.
Turning away from our authentic selves leaves us depleted and disengaged, which is
why taking a moment to touch our true essence can be restorative and energizing.
Time out to reconnect is also vital to model for children, who learn how to navigate
their lives by watching the adults around them. Whether you're a teacher, parent,
relative or neighbor, inviting a child to |oin or witness your acts of reconnecting can
have reverberating positive effects.
From surfing the waves to preparing an old family recipe, the ways to reconnect are
unlimited. Perhaps you can sit for a moment and make a list of what brings you back
to your authentic self - or try some of the following tips:
1. Brew a cup of tea.
Not |ust any tea, experiment until you find a favorite. like to heat up organic almond
milk until it's frothy, then add fresh ginger, cardamom seeds, a dash of agave nectar &
a sprinkle of cacao my authentic self loves this ritual.
2. Paint a piece of old furniture.
Take care to pick colors you love and bring new life to an old favorite.
3. Touch nature.
Cet your hands, feet or body into the earth, water or sand the tactile stimulation is
incredibly healing.
4. Find a loved one (person or pet) and give a long hug.
The healing power of hugs is undeniable!
5. Practice a 5-minute meditation.
There are plenty of options available online.
6. Take a long shower.
Ritual bathing is a part of many cultures, and has historically been a way to wash away
emotional and spiritual debris.
7. Work on a beautiful flower arrangement.
Cather some fresh flowers or evergreen branches and spend time arranging them in a
vase to place by your bedside.
8. 5tretch your body and breathe deeply.
You can practice yoga or |ust "free form" gentle stretches let your authentic self
guide the body.
9. Light a fire.
Cathering wood and lighting an inside fire in winter or an outside campfire in warmer
seasons is an instant reconnect for me.
10. Visit an elderly neighbor.
Helping our elders with a task in the house gives us an opportunity to be kind and
authentic.
11. 5ay sorry to someone you may have upset.
We all have misunderstandings, and it's often best to |ust say sorry. Whether you were
right or wrong, humility brings out the authentic self!
12. Bake bread.
My kids love this. When we're disconnected as a family, make a big batch of dough,
and everyone grabs a handful, kneads, creates shapes and reconnects with each
other. Bonus: yum!
13. Cry if you need to.
Whenever you feel really sad, give yourself permission to cry, if you get it all out, your
true self will be there to give you a tissue!
14. Brush the hair of a loved one.
have three girls with very long hair, and they love when take a moment from my
busy schedule to gently brush their hair, immediately 'm reconnected.
15. 5crub the house.
Maybe this isn't the case for everyone, but when clean the tub with lavender and sea
salt transform my negativity and usually end up hopping in the tub for a peaceful
bath.
16. Hike, bike, run, walk or sit outside in the fresh air.
Mother nature is a powerful healer.
17. 5wing at the park.
My 16-year-old had to |oin us at the park recently. At first she was very upset, but a bit
later we saw her in the distance swinging, which she continued for two hours.
18. Light candles or burn incense.
This is especially helpful after a long day away from home to purify and reconnect to
spirit.
19. Find and write down inspiring quotes.
Abcut the Authcr
do this often and always seem to come across true gems which speak directly to my
authentic self.
20. Visit the library.
Roam the aisles and see what speaks to you your authentic self will show you where
to go.
Any tips of your own to share7 Let's make the train ride meaningful and help each
other be more authentic
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have a toddler. Her name is Daisy, and she's adorable. Of course, on some days 'm
reminded why the expression "The Terrible Twos" exists, but on many others, she blows my
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cu May AIsc njcy
etsi Iris Mufscn
Betsi ris Mufson MSW was the free spirited grad student at Smith College who wrote
her thesis on the use of meditation in psychotherapy. Research for this study
introduced her to various techniques of eastern meditation which she has practiced for
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