A warm welcome to this week's Smiley Blue newsletter about "finding God" in a bathtub. Today I'm sharing some personal thoughts about discovering the keys to inner freedom and the beautiful power of "letting go" - It’s a peaceful feeling when your mind can be still and you can just release all your troubles.
Join me and settle yourself down with a warm relaxing cuppa and read on..
The Search for Inner Freedom
What does freedom mean? Sure, we often think about freedom in terms of what others give us or take away - like teachers, bosses, or governments. But what about the freedom that exists inside our heads?
Do you recognise that feeling when your mind is racing and you want it to stop? When all you want is a moment of peace? That's what freedom feels like - when your mind can be as calm as a blank page, with nothing scribbled on it to have to worry or think about.
There was once a time when I searched high and low for books on how to "Let it go". Absolutely nothing seemed to help with the torment in my mind. Over the years I slowly learned to develop my own techniques for dealing with my past painful trauma through the practice of meditation and prayer.
"Sometimes letting things go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on." - Eckhart Tolle
The Key Within You
You always hold the keys to the door of freedom in your mind, but instead, you may find yourself unsure how to free yourself. Sometimes you get these little glimpses of what's on the other side - these are the serene moments of perfect calm that can soon seem to slip away before you can grab hold of them for keeps.
Meditation certainly helps and strengthens the inner workings of your mind, and when done regularly and with full intention, it can fully relax the mind and body. It's the window through the keyhole into what it feels like to truly release, surrender, and let everything go—to just be. This is the pure sense of calm. When was the last time you felt that way? Truly felt it?
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
The Journey of the Mind
Think about how we start life - our minds are like fresh, clean sheets of paper. Then life happens. We start picking up thoughts, programming, feelings, and experiences in our external environment that can colour or muddy our once-clear minds.
We come into this world with a mind similar to a blank page, and we leave it the same way, returning to that pure state of peace. It's all the life bit in between where we have to figure out how not to let challenges and chaotic moments of life get in the way of our divine path.
Once you realise that you're the one standing in your own doorway to mental freedom, something very profound clicks. You start to discover your centre, your anchor in the sea of your emotions, thoughts and feelings. Without that anchor, it’s the very reason you suffer. And then it hits you - you've always held the key to unlock that door to freedom in the mind all along.
A Personal Journey and Story to Peace
Something earlier in the day has unsettled me a little, I'm aware I may have unwittingly caused someone I care deeply about some upset. I'm a person who feels what others feel, it's a bittersweet gift that brings me both joy and sorrow.
It's now early Saturday evening, outside the sky is a beautiful hue of pink, the trees look black on the hills against the horizon, and the air is biting cool, still and crisp. I decide to go walking, taking in all the sights, and fresh smells that always fully awaken my senses.
On my return, I prepare a self-care ritual, lighting a candle in the bathroom, pouring Epsom salts into my hot bath, playing some calm meditative music and closing the door so I am not disturbed. This is my indulgent time. Stepping into the bath I take several deep breaths in and out and pray from my heart to God my higher power for restoration and healing.
Relaxing down some more but still holding on to the control of my mind, I remind myself to surrender all thoughts. A voice from seemingly nowhere speaks to me in my mind and says, "Let go" and I instantly recognise I am in the way of myself, still trying to control this meditative process.
I now fully "give way" in my mind and body. As soon as I do, it feels as though something so pure and divine has moved in, and there is a tender warm heat radiating over my abdomen, I intuitively inhale a deep breath and release the breath out, and then come tears, not tears of sadness, just tears. Next, I am shown in my mind's eye the writing piece you are reading about unlocking the doorway of the mind to freedom.
The experience is beautiful and lasts around 5 minutes. Feeling relaxed, healed, refreshed and calm I intuitively choose 2 organic essential oils from my selection, a few drops of organic peppermint and lavender mixed with castor oil over my abdomen and the back of my neck. I can assure you this is what healthy indulgence looks and feels like, it’s truly amazing! Feeling like a brand new woman I emerge serene and have the most restful and peaceful night's sleep.
Simple Steps to Let Go
The journey to “letting go“ is deeply personal, but these gentle practices can help guide your way to discovering a place of “Freedom” in the mind.
- Create yourself a mindful space - like a candlelit bath ritual, or find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed. This could be in your room, a garden spot, or anywhere you feel safe to be what you need in the moment.
- Notice without judgment - When busy thoughts arise, acknowledge them. You don't need to try to chase them away or hold onto them. Simply observe.
- Connect with your breath - deep, slow breaths naturally calm your nervous system. Feel your abdomen rise and fall, allow each exhale to carry away tension.
- Listen to your body - Our bodies hold tightly onto stress before we consciously release it. Scan all over your body from head to toe, notice any areas of tension and gently invite them to soften.
- Start small - practice letting go of the minor irritations first. The person who cut you off in traffic, the crumbs left on the kitchen side, the coffee you spilt on the floor - use these small moments as practice for bigger challenges.
Letting go isn’t about forcing yourself to feel peaceful. Instead, simply create the time and space for yourself to feel peace to naturally arise, just as it did during my bath meditation. Sometimes the very simple act of permitting yourself to rest in the present moment is enough.
Products For a Divine Bath
For essential oils, I highly recommend Ecodrop for their passion towards the healing power of nature. They proudly provide products that are completely free of harsh chemicals, sulphates, additives and preservatives. All ingredients are ethically sourced and in their purest form. Find them on Amazon or purchase directly HERE
For Epsom salt baths or magnesium flakes, I like to use WestLab found in many stores or on Amazon- ENJOY!
Don't miss next week when I spill my sparkling water on the uncomfortable truth about alcohol, the scientific, spiritual and energetic health consequences of your favourite tipple. I share my thoughts, relationship with alcohol and personal journey to quitting- cheers! 🥤
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