• Amazing Grace

• Down By the Riverside

• He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands

• In the Garden

• Just a Closer Walk With Thee

• Marine’s Hymn

• This Train

• Will the Circle Be Unbroken

LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD →

DOWNLOAD LYRICS →

“Amazing Grace” is one of the most recognizable Christian hymns and was first published in 1779. The lyrics were written by John Newton, an English poet and member of the Anglican clergy. Newton had previously run a slave ship, but regretted his actions and converted to Christianity later in life. With themes of redemption and forgiveness, the song has been influential with African American spiritual and folk traditions, and has occasionally charted as popular music. The song experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 1900s and has been called a “spiritual national anthem,” with the song often performed at both religious and secular events.

• Is this melody familiar to you?

• Are the words familiar?

• Did you find yourself humming along?

• How did it affect you? Did your awareness change? Your breath? Your focus? Your mood?

• Would you feel comfortable playing this in the background and allow yourself to hum or sing along? By yourself and/or with the one(s) you care for?

The Magic of Water!

Water is a powerful tool for self-care.

Drinking Water:

• Boosts mood and cognition:

  Staying hydrated stabilizes emotions and can combat feelings of anxiety.

• Regulates body functions: Proper hydration is essential for regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, and aiding digestion.

• Detoxifies the body: Water helps flush toxins from the body, which improves organ function and can prevent mental fog and fatigue.

• Supports quality sleep: Maintaining proper hydration supports healthy sleep patterns. Dehydration can disrupt sleep quality, so drinking enough water can lead to more restful sleep. 

Taking a bath or soaking your feet

• Reduces stress and anxiety: Immersing yourself in warm water naturally lowers cortisol, the stress hormone, and relaxes tense muscles.

• Promotes better sleep: Taking a warm bath or soaking your feet before bed can improve sleep quality by helping your body's core temperature drop, signaling it's time to rest.

Listening to Water Sounds

• Promotes relaxation and reduces stress: Listening to the soothing, rhythmic sounds of waves, rain, or flowing streams can slow down brain activity and trigger the body's parasympathetic nervous system, leading to a relaxed state.

• Improves sleep and concentration: The consistent background noise of water, often called "white noise," can mask distracting sounds, helping you fall asleep faster. It can also improve focus and concentration during the day.

Share if you have any self-care tips or stories from this week at [email protected]