how to remind yourself of who you are

I read an interview with Oprah and Thích Nhất Hạnh and a little moment where she asked about his robe really struck me. 

Oprah: Never have to worry about buying clothes, do you? Always just the robe.

Thích Nhất Hạnh: Yes.

Oprah: Do you have different robes for different occasions?

Thích Nhất Hạnh: You have a ceremonial robe, saffron color. That's all. I feel comfortable wearing this kind of robe. And it happily reminds us that we are monks.

It was this small phrase that got me—"it happily reminds us that we are monks."

Which, I think, is to say that it reminds them of who they are, happily.

I think this is one of the special gifts of the physical world, and it is something we can consciously work with and be supported by in how we intentionally dress our bodies, our homes, our days (and working with this is especially helpful for those of us who hang out in our minds a lot). 

Because we do need physical reminders of who we are—reminders of our deeper calling and reminders that we are precious and sacred beings, just because we are here.  

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The other day I was having a really self-critical day, and I knew I needed a physical reminder of the truth.

I took a sticky note and I wrote down What if I'm not doing anything wrong? and then I stuck it to the center of my chest.

This was my robe for the day. I kept seeing the flap of the blue sticky note and I kept pressing it into my chest and remembering. 

And it helped. A lot, actually!

What about you? Are you wearing or seeing in your home or hearing/smelling/tasting in your day something that reminds you of your inherent preciousness? I'd love to hear. And if you're at a loss, a happy jar of flowers on your kitchen table or nightstand is a great place to start.

With care,
Brianna

P.S. Want help dreaming up some physical reminders that are tailored to support you and your deeper calling? I'm here. 

photo by @heathergreengreen