Awakened Living

Tag: self-care

  • The Art of Being Still: Why Slowing Down is the New Self-Care

    The Art of Being Still: Why Slowing Down is the New Self-Care

    We rush.
    We wake up to the sound of alarms, our minds already skipping ahead to the to-do list waiting for us.
    We multitask, we hustle, we push through exhaustion.
    And at the end of the day, we fall into bed wondering where the time went — and why we still feel so empty.

    But what if stillness was the very thing we were missing?

    Stillness Is Not Laziness — It’s a Sacred Pause

    In a world that glorifies being busy, stillness feels like rebellion. It’s countercultural. It’s misunderstood. But it’s also necessary. Stillness invites us to feel, to heal, to listen — not just to others, but to ourselves.

    When we pause, we begin to see the beauty in things we’ve overlooked — the way light moves across a wall, the quiet comfort of breath, the miracle of just being.

    Stillness isn’t about doing nothing.
    It’s about being fully present in everything.

    How to Embrace Stillness at Different Stages of Life

    In Your 20s: The Season of Becoming
    Your 20s are filled with ambition, exploration, and comparison. It’s easy to tie your worth to achievements.

    Try this:

    • Begin your mornings with 5 minutes of silence before grabbing your phone.
    • Journal without a prompt — just release whatever comes.
    • Practice saying no to things that don’t align with your soul, even if they look “good on paper.”

    In Your 30s: The Season of Balancing
    You may be juggling work, family, or dreams that feel delayed. Stillness feels indulgent — but it’s vital.

    Try this:

    • Set a weekly “pause hour” where you do nothing productive.
    • Use transitional moments (like folding laundry or driving) as breath-check-ins.
    • Create space in your home that invites rest — a reading nook, candle-lit bath, or a chair by the window.

    In Your 50s & Beyond: The Season of Awakening
    This chapter can feel like a return to yourself — if you allow it. Stillness becomes a tool of reflection, not retreat.

    Try this:

    • Revisit your morning routine: slow tea, soft music, a short walk.
    • Practice contemplative prayer or meditation to tune inward.
    • Ask, “What is ready to be released?” and give yourself permission to let go.

    Stillness Is the Soul’s Self-Care

    You don’t have to earn your rest. You don’t have to prove your worth through productivity. You are already enough, even in your quietest moments.

    So today, let yourself stop.
    Breathe.
    Be.

    Because the art of being still is really the art of being you.

    Reflection Prompt:

    Where in your life are you being called to slow down — and what might happen if you listened?

    With presence and peace,


    Rose Alicia

  • Mindfulness and Self-Care: Embracing the Journey to Nurture Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

    Mindfulness and Self-Care: Embracing the Journey to Nurture Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

    In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to forget to take a step back and focus on ourselves. Yet, self-care and mindfulness are the foundation of a well-balanced life. They allow us to nurture our mind, body, and spirit—creating space for growth, clarity, and personal well-being. At Awakened Living, we believe that integrating mindfulness and self-care into our daily routines can transform the way we approach life, leading to more intentional and fulfilling moments.

    The Power of Mindfulness

    Mindfulness isn’t just about sitting in meditation or quiet reflection. It’s about being fully present in the moment, acknowledging your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without judgment. In a world full of distractions, mindfulness allows us to reconnect with ourselves and embrace the beauty of the present moment.

    Practicing mindfulness can help us become more aware of our needs, whether it’s taking time to breathe, slow down, or simply be kind to ourselves. It’s about learning to listen to our bodies and emotions, and offering them the care they deserve. Mindfulness creates space to embrace life’s experiences without rushing through them, helping us feel more grounded, calm, and connected.

    Self-Care: Nurturing Every Part of You

    Self-care goes hand in hand with mindfulness. It’s the intentional act of taking care of our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. When we take the time to nurture ourselves, we can better show up for the people and experiences that matter most.

    Self-care isn’t just about pampering yourself (though that’s a wonderful part of it!). It’s about listening to your body’s needs—getting enough rest, nourishing your body with healthy foods, and engaging in activities that bring you joy. It’s about setting boundaries, saying no when needed, and making space for moments of peace. And for those of us who walk in faith, self-care also involves deepening our connection with God, reflecting on His purpose for us, and nurturing our spirit with prayer and gratitude.

    Simple Ways to Incorporate Mindfulness and Self-Care into Your Life

    1. Create a Mindful Environment: A peaceful, calming environment is essential for mindfulness and self-care. Start by incorporating home-scented products like candles, diffusers, and room sprays into your space. Scents like lavender or eucalyptus promote relaxation and stress relief, while citrus scents can invigorate and uplift. Light a calming candle while you reflect on your day, or use a diffuser to bring peaceful aromas into your home.
    2. Practice Daily Reflection and Journaling: Setting aside a few minutes each day for quiet reflection or journaling can help you reconnect with yourself. Whether it’s through writing down your thoughts, reflecting on your day, or expressing gratitude, journaling is a powerful tool for mindfulness. It allows you to pause, process, and find clarity. You can also incorporate your faith into your journaling by writing down prayers or scripture that inspire you, helping guide your path and deepen your spiritual journey.
    3. Make Time for Physical Wellness: Mindfulness isn’t just mental—it’s physical, too. Take time each day to care for your body through gentle stretching, yoga, or simply going for a walk outside. Physical movement helps release tension and improve overall well-being, and it’s an important part of self-care.
    4. Engage in Activities You Love: Doing things that bring you joy and fulfillment is a vital part of self-care. Whether it’s reading a book, crafting, or listening to music, make sure you’re taking time to engage in activities that make you happy. These moments of joy contribute to a balanced life and allow you to feel rejuvenated.
    5. Practice Gratitude and Faith: Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. Gratitude has the power to shift your perspective, bringing positivity and peace into your life. This simple practice can help you stay grounded and appreciate the present moment. As you reflect, remember that faith can guide your journey—trusting that God has a plan for you and that every step forward is part of His divine purpose.

    Why Scent Matters in Mindfulness and Self-Care

    The role of scent in self-care and mindfulness is often underestimated, yet it plays a significant role in our emotional and mental states. Aromas have the ability to evoke specific feelings, from calmness to invigoration, and can help set the mood for relaxation or focus.

    At Awakened Living, we believe in the power of scent to enhance our well-being. Whether it’s the soothing properties of a lavender-scented candle to help you wind down at the end of a long day, or the energizing scent of citrus to get you focused in the morning, fragrances can enhance the atmosphere of your home and contribute to a more mindful experience.

    The Power of Small Moments

    Leading back to my first post – The beauty of mindfulness and self-care lies in the small moments. It’s not about grand gestures or major life changes; it’s about finding joy and peace in the everyday moments. Lighting a calming candle, sitting quietly with your thoughts, or taking a walk in nature—these small acts of self-care can make a world of difference in how we feel and how we approach life.

    By embracing mindfulness and self-care, we are actively choosing to nurture ourselves. We’re taking the time to pause, listen, and care for our mind, body, and spirit. It’s through these small, intentional acts that we cultivate a life of balance, growth, and peace.

    Final Thoughts:

    Mindfulness and self-care aren’t just trends; they’re practices that can transform our lives. As you incorporate these habits into your daily routine, remember that it’s okay to start small—one step at a time. Whether you’re lighting a calming candle, reflecting on your day, or taking a walk outside, these moments of care add up, creating a life that’s more present, peaceful, and purposeful.

    Through mindfulness, self-care, and faith, we can embrace life with a clearer mind, a healed body, and a nurtured spirit.

    Thank you for being here, and I look forward to continuing this journey of growth together. ✨

    With gratitude,


    Rose Alicia