Hi my loves,
What brings me joy has been the question on my mind for the last few months. I’ve made a few behavioral changes, such as cutting out desserts, increasing protein at breakfast, and walking more. Since 2023, I have kept the practice of having sacred days. Monday’s because I am a Pisces rising with very prominent Jupiter placements, and Friday’s because I was born on a Friday, am a Libra, and have prominent Venus placements. On my sacred days, I journal, pull a tarot or oracle card, and go on a long walk, followed by taking a devotional bath using my curated bath salts available HERE. These long walks brought an air of adventure with them as I set out across DFW to find new trails with at least six miles. One day, I left my phone accidentally in the car when I was about half a mile into my nine-mile walk. I contemplated turning around to get it, but figured I would be OK this one time.
I’m so happy I chose to leave my phone behind! I was aware that one of my other avoidance techniques included filling my space and time with all forms of media, but it wasn’t until I spent those miles with just me, my thoughts, and nature that it clicked how much I was emotionally and mentally impacted by the constant barrage of media. Now I purposefully leave my phone at home for short walks or turned off during longer ones.
My focus on sensuality brought my attention to the sights, sounds, feel, taste, and smells of life. The sweet scent of blooming honeysuckle early in the morning. The way the light filtered through the trees cast dancing shadows on the ground. The tantalizing taste of curry for breakfast. The soft, soothing feel of my favorite cardigan. The birds singing throughout the day make me feel like I’m in a Ghibli film, but you know the happy parts where they are in fields and gardens of flowers with beautiful streams.
I am close to completing documenting through photos 28 Days of Pleasure. Where I take a picture of whatever brings me pleasure throughout the day. This was a my plan to engage with my senses, focus my attention, explore outside of my comfort zone, and find a sense of awe again.
As day 28 gets closer, I realize I want to keep this practice. I will add it to my journaling and as a daily creative act through photography. Quite a few of the ways I found pleasure were through books. I read a lot over the past few months across various genres. I found it fulfilling to complete a book. It gave me a sense of accomplishment. I will keep that behavior as well.
What I noticed that I missed was spending time caring for my physical form. I will be intentionally spending time daily on some form of body care. Whether that’s a long shower, body mask, luxurious bath, pedicure/manicure, lymphatic massage, or dry brushing, I will do something daily in this area. It will also help me to stay connected to my senses – a wonderful practice which helps with dissociation.
I’ve spoken about my avoidance techniques previously on the blog. I have two more that I want to tackle. The first is my sleep hygiene, and the second is my relationship with finances. But I’ll share more about those later.
What are your favorite ways to experience pleasure in life? What do you make a point to do daily to care for yourself?
With love,
Kamilah Rose
Belle Awe 