The Upward Spiral ~ Values: Positivity, Kindness, Caring

The theory of the Upward Spiral points to the power of positivity and the use of tools that help shift our mindset when we feel like we are out of balance, off center, or mentally stuck. No matter who we are, or where we live, there are moments in life that can benefit from a practice of self reflection, positive mindset and self care. 

We can all be ambassadors for positivity and kindness. It begins with us. When we act out of compassion, love and kindness for ourself we set an example for others to do the same. 

From the Science of Mind Virtues Card: Caring “Caring is giving love and attention to people and things that matter to you. When you care about people you say and do things that help them. When you do a careful job, you give it your best effort. Caring comes from within. It is a sign of love. When you care for someone, you notice how they feel and what they need. Caring is a special way of paying attention.”

While this quote speaks to caring for others, it applies to caring for ourselves too. There are so many ways we can practice self care. It's good to have a few different ways to practice so you can be at choice when the need arrises. It could be mindfulness activities, reading, doing art, meditating, listening to calm music, taking a bath, going for a walk in nature and more. 

Take a moment and think of 5 ways you practice self care and self kindness. Come up with 3 new ways to add to your list. 

"Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it's holy ground. There's no greater investment. Stephen Covey

Spirals are in nature too. The leaf of a fern first forms in a spiral. As it is nurtured by the soil and sunlight, it slowly unfurls up and outward. Sunflowers have two spirals at their center that form a beautiful pattern. Sea shells often have a spiral pattern too. Even our finger prints contain spirals. It's another great example of our personal connection with all of life. What other form of nature spirals or patterns can you think of? 

There are so many cool quotes about the healing power on nature. 

"Allow natures peace to flow into you as sunshine flows into trees." John Muir

"I go to nature to be soothed, healed and have my senses put in order." John Burroughs

"Look deep into nature, then you will understand everything better." Albert Einstein

"Nature is my manifestation of God." Frank Lloyd Wright

The next time you feel yourself out of balance or noticing that your self talk is less than kind, turn to nature or one of your favorite forms of self care. Create the positive shift in your mind and imagine the image of the upward spiral. Then allow it to pull you up. Practice Kindness & Positivity in all you do. You'll be glad you did. 

Music/Videos: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H98Rfljxmsc - Kindness Song by Juicebox Jukebox

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXAo_5voOP0 - Kindness is a Muscle - a sing along song by Universal Kids

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awzNHuGqoMc - Tim McGraw - Humble and Kind

Books:

Happy - a Children's book of Mindfulness by Nicola Edwards
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvCN4cnMNow

Chicken Soup for little souls the Goodness Gorillas - by Lisa Mccourt and Pat Porter https://justbooksreadaloud.com/ReadToMe.php?vid=ChickenSoupGoodnessGorilla

The Way I Act - by Steve Metzger 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SW_Gr6A-hpE

Kindness Quilt - by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjIVLunRG7o

Travel the upward spiral with kindness this week. 

Blessings ~ 

Gratitude to our Unsplash.com photographers Timothy Dykes and Kristen Macadam