A Quick Creative Practice to Calm Nerves & Lift Spirits

Summer Heat. The Fall of Democracy. We Need a Rescue

Dear Friend,

I’m not going to name the horrific, inhumane things happening in the world right now — you already know.

What I am going to say is this: writing through your rage, your sorrow, or your sense of despair about humanity can be a powerful practice.

Pouring those feelings onto the page can help clear your mind, calm your nervous system, and slow racing thoughts. (Over 2,000 studies show the benefits of expressive writing on mental health.)

Caring for our emotional and spiritual wellbeing isn’t optional — it’s essential. Audre Lorde reminds us: Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.

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I also like Gina Luker’s calm your ass down so you can alchemize that rage you feel to create change.

Today’s writing practice is one you can do anywhere, anytime. It can take five minutes or thirty — whatever time you have — and it’s designed to help calm your nervous system and notice that there’s still wonder, beauty and joy around you.

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Have a friend whose spirits could use a boost? Invite them to explore their creative energy with us!

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Writing Practice: Set aside 5-7 minutes for this practice. Write in a journal or open a ‘Journey with The Season’ document where you can return each Sunday.

Prompt:
Begin wherever you are as you read this — maybe it’s a familiar place like your home, a cozy coffee shop, or a quiet moment on a break at work.

The invitation is to look at your surroundings with fresh eyes — as if you’re seeing them for the very first time. Take a moment to really observe, using these guiding prompts:

• Find something that surprises you.

• Find something you consider beautiful.

• Find something that sparks a joyful feeling.

• Find something that evokes gratitude.

• Find something you want to know more about.

Here’s a moment that sparked joy during my week. I was sitting in this pretty park at my Dad’s house when as the sunlight went down, fireflies came out of nowhere and filled the air. Every time I tried to capture them on camera it was as their light flashed off, making it all feel a bit more magical.

Jot down one or more things for each of the above.

Now, look over your list and choose the item that most intrigues you.
Set a timer for 3, 5, or 10 minutes (whatever feels right), and describe that “something” in rich sensory detail.

Variation:
Write from the perspective of the thing itself. What might it want to say to you?

I’d love to read your discoveries–send them my way!

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Spiritual Practice for the week ahead: So many people are struggling right now. If something you wrote about reminds you of a memory or connection with a friend, reach out and share it with them. You never know when a ‘just thinking of you’ message can make a significant difference in someone’s spirit. Connection feels like another kind of antidote to cruelty, especially when many people are feeling isolated.

Wishing you moments of calm, moments of creativity & moments of connection.

With love, Gabrielle Ariella