(a CP customer service rep!)

Some years ago I discovered that for my own spiritual survival it was important to not abandon Me just because I arrived at my workplace. I didn’t feel it necessary to park my inner spirit and solitude along with my car in the parking garage. Evolving over time, and being blessed with a very supportive work environment, I began to assemble some small items on the corner of my desk that served as minor distractions when I seemed to lose my balance and attach myself to the stresses of the people I was dealing with or tasks at hand.

I find these little tschotkes to be a reminder to continue to honor myself and maintain my Inner balance. They eventually evolved into my daily ritual and set the tone for my day to begin. Not a formal shrine, mind you, but bits and pieces including inspirational or whimsical postcards of favorite colors or vacations past or fantasized about. I even kept the broken plastic cover from a favorite chanting cassette….a gentle whisper of my inner bliss. I place a small figure or photo of a deity or two that will continuously watch over me and nudge me back to reality when I temporarily lose my balance.

My two other “deities”  that remind me not to take myself so seriously are my little “Hello Kitty” little plastic figures that (I swear!) have hypnotic powers if you stare at the space between their little pinpoint eyes. I also always like to keep on hand several tiny vials of aromatherapy oils. I find the Lavender will instill an immediate wave of serenity while the Orange will, at least momentarily, restore my vibrant enthusiasm. My little corner retreat would not be complete without my candle. Very soothing and balancing. As supportive as HR is in expressing my individuality, they do draw the line at the potential hazard of accidentally setting my whole office ablaze so I find one or more of the battery operated candles will impart the same mood making.

For those of you whose office restricts displaying any personal items, I would highly recommend creating your own portable shrine or dream board. Just simply take a square of cardboard or foam board that can either be small enough to be transported in your purse or laptop bag or easily stored in your desk.  Decorate it collage style with family photos, spiritual reminders, postcards, beads, bits of fabric and/or trim. Feel free to express your own inner giggle and if you are so inclined, go nuts with your Bedazzler.  You can just open your desk drawer and take in the sweet breath of tranquility or just a reminder that your real life still exists and awaits your arrival outside of your cubicle.

Choose to follow the path of you own bliss. Wherever you go, there you are! Live with mindfulness, grace and compassion.