Wellness Blog

10/25/2020

Can magic enhance wellness?

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Halloween Blog Edition 2020

Exploring magic in your wellness routine

What is magic? We all have different ideas that come to mind when we hear or read the word... MAGIC. Because magic has such diversity of interpretation, we are going to look at MAGIC through the eyes of Positive Psychology and leave it open for you to create your own connection in whatever way feels right to you!

Magic is the source of awe and surprise, it creates a reaction both physical and emotional within the self. Positive Psychology sees "magic" as something so exceptional, supernatural or outside of perceived normalcy, that it invokes astonishment and wonder. Often when we stay within our comfort zone, not branching out to try new things and test our beliefs, the childlike sense of wonder and awe we are born with becomes less and less accessible. So, magic becomes an avenue to awaken that awe, it becomes an avenue to adjusting your vibration to positivity.

The benefits of the emotions of "awe" and "astonishment" are directly connected to psychological, social and physical wellbeing. When you experience or witness magic, your blood pressure reduces, oxygen flow is improved, inflammation markers are decreased and a cocktail of neurochemicals is released in the brain to create perfect conditions for optimum human functioning. Magic is also pro-social behavior because you are more aware of your connection to something much larger than us, you feel more grounded in the circuit of life and are more inclined to help your circumstances and help other people around you.

How To practice Magic

Magic is defined by a connection to something greater than the self, a practice that invokes awe and wonder in the mind and body. Carving out some time to manifest your higher self can be powerful! You can incorporate magic into your personal beliefs and cultural practices, make it your own! What would a magic ritual look like to you? Here are some ideas to get you started! You may notice the synergy between the practices below and belief systems around the world!

Wellness Routine- Mix magic into a movement ritual! Before you do yoga or workout, light a candle and set your intention so that the energy you create in your body feeds that intention! Or drink a cup of hot tea after your run, bringing sacred herbs into your body and becoming aware of our connection to the Earth.

Alters- Create a sacred space in your home where you can go to connect to the magic of life and magic within. You can put things that are meaningful and beautiful to you here, light intention candles, smudge with incense and pray/meditate.

Carry with you- Carry a magic pouch with you or in your car with your favorite earthly crystals and essential oil. You can create unique pouches for different intentions and carry with you or gift them!

Manifesting- Take time to manifest your goals and healing by meditating on them already being a reality. Add crystals and incense, etc. to give it more energy! Try saying your intention or goal out loud, phrasing it into a mantra.

Smudging- Burning sage, palo santo and/or other dried herbs can be a great way to clear energy and bring energy to your connection with the universe and your goals. Smudging is an act of transmutation, the changing of one element (fire) into another (smoke). Smudging uses the awe of natural phenomena, magic, to transmit and manifest intentions.

Color Psychology- Color psychology is the science and study of how color affects mood, behavior and health. Get to know how each color affects nature and loop it into your magical connection with the universe! For example, for extra focus during a test week wear yellow or carry a yellow handkerchief. If you are trying to create a calming environment, use blues and purples in the design. You can even choose different colors candles for different routines! If you're trying to call on love, light a red candle. If you're trying to boost your confidence and self image, light an orange candle! The astonishing magic of COLOR!

Yogi Magic- Use mantra and pranayama to ignite the wonder! Repeat aloud, feeling the vibration of your voice empower the mantra in your mind and body: "I awaken my inner wonder and the magic all around me." Follow with deep breaths and audible sighs, letting go and clearing your path.