To put it lightly, right now, times can be trying. Our whole world is under stress, and it’s becoming harder and harder to find peace throughout the day. One way I have been maintaining my sanity during this time is by accessing my happy place. I take a few moments each day to meditate myself into a place that I can feel peace and not have a cluttered mind. I focus all of my energy on being present in my happy place.
Accessing your happy place will induce positivity and give you a safe place to relax when reality seems too stressful to think straight. Taking a few minutes to devote peace to your day can help you think straight during your this time. I know for me, this exercise helps me to feel like I can handle the day, that I have a safe place that is accessible at all times and reminds me to be thankful for my day. So let’s begin:
First, find a comfortable, secluded space. I like my living room when no one else is home or my front porch if the weather allows. Just make sure it is quiet and comfy, distractions can make the meditation frustrating.
After I have found my spot and made myself comfortable, while my eyes are still open, I count out loud and take five deep diaphragm breaths. ( there are tutorials online for deep breathing if you have never practiced before). Try to picture your stress leaving your body during these breaths. I imagine mine as a little glowing ball that collects in my hand, and then I set it beside me. We are acknowledging the stress but not identifying with it. On breath number five, I am feeling relaxed from the breathing, and I allow my eyes to softly close. I continue to take a few more deep breaths to get me ready to meditate, and when I feel grounded, I start to build my happy place.
This is the fun part; the more imagery, the better. Imagery helps to submerge you into your happy place.
I first imagine what the air around me would feel and smell like. Is it hot? Is it cold? Is it warm? Is there a breeze? I like to imagine that it is springtime, and I can feel the air, warm and thick clouding around me. I imagine that I can smell fresh grass and wildflowers. The air smells sweet and fresh.
I then imagine what my happy place would look like. I am already developing images in my head while feeling the air around me. I like to imagine that I am in a forest, with big trees and meadows surrounding me. I start to think of what colors I want around me and picture them forming into flowers or ribbons in the sky. Are there animals or plants around you? Is anyone else with you? Are you walking, dancing, or sitting? I like to imagine I am sitting at the bottom of a big tree and there are bunnies and foxes and fairies hanging out in the forest with me, and scampering through the meadows. I am watching the animals, and above me, I can see the sun and sky streaming in through the treetops.
Now that I am fully in my happy place and surrounded by thoughts of what it feels looks and smells like to be there. I spend five to ten minutes just being in this place, just thinking of nothing else but the sensations there. In my own time, I decide when I am ready to leave. Before opening my eyes, I thank my happy place for letting me come and tell it goodbye. This keeps good energy and thoughts surrounded in the thoughts around your place. I picture myself standing up and looking at the sky above the trees. In my own time, I close my eyes in my happy place. When I am ready, I let my eyes open softly in reality. Promptly after opening my eyes, I take a minute to notice how my body is feeling. Am I relaxed? Am I tired? Am I still stressed? Most times, after I feel like I am glowing and radiating peace. But it is always good to check in with yourself, and this helps determine how much time you should spend in your happy place. I then go about my day and try to keep the feelings of peace with me in the tasks and relationships I encounter throughout.
PRO TIP: This is also a great exercise to do with a group. Once you feel comfortable and secure in your ability to access your happy place, share it with others. On a nice day, grab a blanket and some zen friends and go outside and sit in a circle. Talk through this meditation and help guide your loved ones into finding their happy place, maybe you can all go to one together. This can bring peace and positivity to your relationships!