Making space + nature practice

Making space.

This is a theme I've been paying extra special attention to over the last month.

What does it mean to you to make space?
What does space feel like to you?
Does it feel like expansion?
A deeper breath?
Taking breaks?
Not planning?
Self-care?

I'm approaching making space in my daily life by giving myself space. Space to slow down. Space to begin again. Space to feel my body and my emotions and the moment. Space to find joy and peace.

I make space in my mind, usually narrow and constricted and laser-focused on my list of things to do, by having a Mandee Day and not having any plans except doing whatever it is that I feel like doing in that moment. 

I make space in my body by opening up the areas of tension, the areas of contraction from stress and anxiety, through yoga poses and deeper breaths.

I make space in my soul by gazing up to the sky and the stars, when I'm so used to looking at my computer or phone only 6" out in front of me, and being aware of our ever-expanding nature and connection to this earth.  
 

Practice: If you joined in on my Mindfulness with Mandee Monday practice sesh this Monday on Instagram, we practiced awareness of space around us- in the space that we were in, our room, maybe outdoors.

The next time you have a moment to sit outdoors, take a moment to sit and notice the things right in front of you, within 6 inches of your body. Maybe a plant or grass, your phone in your hand, a book. Then expand your awareness further, looking around what lies many feet or yards in front of you. Maybe trees, a pool, cars, a birdhouse. And then set your gaze as far as you can see, soften the gaze and notice the distance between the objects and the horizon. Sit with this for a little while. Do you notice the space? How does it make you feel? The more you create expansion in practice, the more you can bring it into your daily life. Creating space in difficult times or challenging situations or into your mind, body and soul.

~hugs!

Mandee

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Mandee Metzger is the Creator and Founder of Inner Light Botanicals. She has studied and practices Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation, Mindfulness, Crystal Healing, Reiki, and Integrative Nutrition and is a huge advocate for mental health awareness and feeling your feelings. She believes in the power of a smile, positivity, and the healing journey. She also believes in the power of integrating self-care into our daily life in small moments. And she believes in the power of the energy we put out into this world to transform lives and our planet. Find her simple self-care practices and mindful lifestyle on her YouTube channel, Mindfulness with Mandee.