The bustle of school and work can have us craving any form of self care. But then the thought comes up… “How can I do that, when theres so much to think about?” These moments give us what’s called “feeling tones” in our lives. “Feeling Tones” come from Buddhist philosophy, referring to how everything that happens throughout the day gives us a feeling that is positive, neutral, or negative. These tones are felt in the body and experienced through colors we assign to them. It sounds simple for all the complicated feelings we feel, especially if you are somebody who is always on the go. But, feeling tones can also allow us to simplify everything and find pleasure in the smallest moments.
1. Take silent pauses during the morning and night
You rush in the morning, your coffee in one hand, keys in the other. If possible, try waking up even ten minutes earlier for some time to pause. All it takes is a few seconds of pause to create a morning routine. Sit with your coffee or breakfast, without your phone in hand, without the television on. Notice where in your body you experience these pauses. Is your latte hot in your hand? Where does the morning sun hit your window and face?
2. pick a mindful object
Pick one object that reminds you of relaxation. This could be your water bottle, a candle, a bag, a journal, a planner or a piece of jewelry. Whatever it may be, pick something that reminds you of peace, and try to take it with you throughout the day. Don’t be afraid to attach yourself to it, embrace it. This can be the unique design on your journal, or the glint of gold on a passed-down necklace. This may sound odd, but this object will remind you of times of rest and yourself at your most relaxed state. Or, try to have this object with you while you relax. By doing this, you are being creative. Creativity always feels pleasurable. You are creating meaning out of an every day object, and creating calm out of that meaning.
3. Assign colors and feelings to the smallest moments of pleasure
This is an important one. While you look out of your window while drinking your morning coffee, while you work under a dim lamplight while you submit a midterm, or take your evening walk to the subway station, really feel what this is like in your body. Do you feel warmth in your chest while you let your dog out in the morning? Do you feel light in your stomach while you walk to class to see your friends? Or, is it a simple all-over glow when you walk downstairs to warm up your food while you get ready for work? Remember that glowing feeling, and hold on to it during times of stress or busyness. Take it with you and celebrate it, in any way, small or big.
Busy nights, early mornings, jobs and school work are a collection of things that may stop you from creating a morning and night routine. Sometimes, “keeping busy” is a part of our identity because of necessity, or, because we take pride in our school, jobs and work ethic. Each case is unique, but there is a downfall: we miss out on taking moments throughout the day to pause, reflect and feel the shades of pleasure and mindfulness throughout the day, and most importantly, morning and night.
