How nature promotes flow state

Being in flow state is when you feel like everything is aligned.  Your day is effortless.  And even if it’s not, you have an inherent trust that everything will work out for the best.

Being in the flow state means you are in the zone.  And being the in the zone means the world is your oyster.  You put your mind to something, work hard enough and it’s yours… #manifestation

There are many things that can help you get into flow state:
– Deep Breathing
– Meditation
– EFT Tapping
– Dancing
– Distract yourself from what’s taking your peace
– Be creative
and of course…getting outdoors and enjoying nature’s beauty!

One thing about our modern fast paced society is that we have forgotten about including nature and leisure in our day. Something I’ve realized myself only recently.  Whether it’s working in a concrete jungle and not getting out for some sun.  Or being so busy working from home that the only time I get up from my desk is to do school pick up!  It was about 2 years ago that I really felt like there was a mis-alignmnment (between my soul & body from nature) and randomly (well not a coincidence) stumbled upon the benefits of forrest baths.  

Forrest baths is a Japanese practice of relaxation – simply put its a method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees. 

After I read more and researched this practice – I began changing my habits.  Whenever, I was dealing with certain emotions (stress, fear, sadness) – I would force myself to go for a walk.  And specifically make sure I walked in a forest.  I do my best to immerse myself in the forrest.  I would go so far as to think about the architecture of the tree.  It’s connection to the earth (ie: what the roots looked like, how far they went into the earth, how they connected to the roots of other trees), what the trees look from the top or look up at the trees and lastly imagine the energy flowing through these trees.  

Of course it does not need to be this involved.  Some days I would just sit on the steps outside my house, and even sometimes I would just open the windows in my room.  

So if you are finding yourself sitting for long stretches of the day indoors, considering being intentional about stepping outside once in a while.  And if you want to try forest bathing – use the 3 tips to get started:

  1. Walk slowly in nature or be still.  This will help you pay attention to your surroundings and really taken in the natural beauty.
  2. Use your senses to experience.  Make note of the scent, the colours, how the light is shinning.  Focus on one sense at a time.
  3. Savour the beauty.  When something catches your eye, take a few extra moments to truly appreciate it.

Blogmas | The biggest lesson I learned this year

I was recently scrolling through TikTok and some someone post about what the biggest lesson that they learned this year. Without even watching the full post – I immediately thought about mine…(goes to show how mindless show intense my multi tasking is!)

I figured it would make a great blogmas post…

The biggest lesson I learned this year was maintaining consistency with my self growth practices.

Now as I’m saying that I realize it sounds very simplistic. But I realized not being consistent actually creates bad habits. Or rather, being consistent creates good habits. And for me those habits are helping me grow and develop.

So here’s the kicker: I find myself only being consistent with my self growth and development rituals (quality journaling, outdoors walks, forrest baths, deep meditation, creating content, making art, reading, learning) when I’m needing to change* something. And then, as soon as I achieve* that something I for some reason decide to de-prioritize those rituals.

Maybe that de-prioritization comes naturally because that thing I achieved takes up more of my time. But I’ve realized that I can’t let it. I need to be consistent with my rituals because they are the only thing that will support me in the long run.

Want more? Follow my Blogmas 2022 journey here!

5 personal growth quotes that will make you rethink your purpose

I know I’ve stumbled upon these quotes multiple times, but just recently they hit different.

It made me reflect on my purpose, direction and priorities.  And also gave me more motivation. Though,  I must say, quotes are flaky and can’t always provide inspiration.  On occasion they can make you stand up, re-evaluate and take action.

So please feel free to reflect on the words and enjoy the sunflower pics I took at Robintide Farms

What we fear of doing most is usually what we most need to do.

We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are.

It’s Never Too Late To Be What You Might Have Been

If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.

A goal without a plan is just a wish.

 

FOUR experiences not to miss on your trip to Banff

It’s been about 4 weeks since we got back from our trip to Calgary & BC (more lovingly known by most as “the Banff trip”)

I’ve yet to go through all my photos, but I figured this would be a good way to start. I read a lot of travel guides and blog posts ahead of our trip about what to see and do on #TheBanffTrip.

So I figure it only fair that I share my tips too! (my way of paying it forward). And nooo this list does not include Lake Louise (a bit of let down in my opinion!).

I’m sharing FOUR experiences that you can’t miss when in Calgary & BC (aka on your own Banff trip). These are great options to add to your itinerary if you are travelling with family/kids or if you want to try things off the beaten path (without the need to extensive gear or training!)

I should say that most of these attractions technically are in BC but considering how close everything is to each other, most people would still consider these things on their Banff Trip.

I’ve also shared our travel vlog – hopefully it provides some inspiration for a future trip.

  • Glacier (paid) Tour

Most people will tell you to check out the Glacier field by taking a small hike to the base of the glacier (aka the snout…just doesn’t sound nice). If you just see the base, you will not get the magnificent views, history/information and fresh (drinkable) glacier water. This can only be experienced by paying for the tour.

  • Peyto Lake

A moderate hike uphill and you get views of a turquoise lake surrounded by mountains (both with trees and snow peaks). And although there were crowds, it was way better here than to be herded like cattle between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Make sure to detour and check out this lake.

  • Takakkaw Falls

This is an easy-moderate hike with a surprise ending! The cool (read: cold) spray from the waterfall. Getting to most waterfalls can be a trek, but this is mostly paved which made it easier for my kids.

  • Jasper Gondola

We didn’t do the popular Banff Gondola (to be honest didn’t even want to). I found this attraction by a simple google search …and I honestly think this was way better. The views are stunning and you can even hike further up the summit. It was windy up there so be sure to bring a touq and some layers. The mountains in the distance look unreal!

Camera Settings Explained!

I’ve had my DSLR for about 10-11 years. And although you’ll find me with my “big camera” glued to my face – I’m embarrassed to admit that I don’t always [insert: *G A S P*] shoot in manual.

I did take a photography 101 course around the time I bought the camera, and the settings I learned about in that course are the most important and particularly the only ones I will use to this day.

So in the spirit of “sharing is caring” I’m sharing – here are the TOP TWO camera settings explained.

ISO – let there be light!

This setting is so great to create drama (less light) or to add more calm to a photo (more light). The ISO is a number, if you need more light select a higher number, when you lead less light, turn the number down.

Photography, Camera Settings, Artist, Creative, Creator, Camera Hacks, Camera Tips, ISO, Shutter Speed

Shutter: The thrill of speed

This is probably my favourite setting. I use it (with a tripod or steady hand) to capture motion (like water or fast lights) or even the craters of the moon. Here we are working with fractions of a number to large whole numbers (ie seconds). The higher the shutter speed (ie: a whole number) the more crisp the photo. The lower the number (ie: a small fraction) the more crisp the picture will be. You have to play around the ISO here, meaning if you want to keep the shutter open for longer, you may want to reduce the ISO to prevent overexposure.

Photography, Camera Settings, Artist, Creative, Creator, Camera Hacks, Camera Tips, ISO, Shutter Speed

Dear tomato “plant”

I am sad to report that my tomato plant called it quits over the weekend.  I came home on Saturday afternoon to see that the plant stalks had fallen over.  To be honest I knew that maybe the plant was not doing so well as it started looking more like weeds than the large leaves I was hoping to see.

TLY_EndofTomatoPlant1

I didn’t bother stalking it as the instructions didn’t say to but I do regret not moving it to a larger pot and updating the soil.  I’ll definitely needed some more love and planning.  And I probably should’ve have watered it more often #BadPlantMom

TLY_EndofTomatoPlant2

I’ve definitely picked up a few tricks for next year, such as spacing the seeds, using more than one planter, starting from a seedling and maybe trying a few varieties.

TLY_EndofTomatoPlant3

My gardening goals are on hold until next year – time to start pinning and planning for next spring!