Where is your happy place? … that concept that gives you the feeling of ease, safety, and deep peace?
Hello Beautiful People,
This month, I am speaking my peace on the importance of having a personal sanctuary, aka inner resource, as a resilience tool. I share how to create this space through your senses and memories. I have attached a new guided meditation for you to download, where you can begin to imagine an inner resource, a sanctuary of your own.
Then, I’ll tell you my story in a video adventure to the lake where we visit my “happy place” and see the inspiration I use to create my inner resource.
Since I rarely post on social media, I am including a brief life update in each publication. I will begin by saying, I am so happy to be back at camp for the summer! I have included some details and photos below.
Finally, this month’s coloring page is a graphic I created for a project I am working on. I will share more on this later, but here’s a sneak peek!
Wishing you Bright Summer Blessings,
~ Andrea
The Importance of an Inner Resource
What is an inner resource? 🤔
In the practice of iRest - Yoga Nidra, creator Richard Miller describes the inner resource as a feeling inspired by a place or an event. Just as negative aspects of a situation can trigger us, the same is true for positive events and places. Happy memories of times with a loved one, or moments of quiet solitude in places that soothe, can be that inspiration.
When I first began my journey in the practice of Integrated Restoration (iRest - Yoga Nidra), I didn't quite know what it was I was trying to find. I imagined being in places of fantasy, filled with all of my favorites. Favorite people, favorite sights and sounds, all existing in my favorite places. But it always felt very external. Sort of like painting a picture and looking at it, but not knowing how to get into the picture. Eventually, I began to question, How does this make me feel? I realized that I was being too objective, which can be a block to progress in finding our inner resource.
Just as we can be triggered by negative aspects of a situation, the same is true for positive events and places.
The purpose of this inner resource is very important to our physical well-being. And weather it is used with a yoga nidra practice or not, it is a valuable tool that we can use daily in any situation.
Basic Science
When the body experiences stress, even minor, as in day-to-day aggravations or any form of trauma, there is constriction. The muscles tighten, and the breath becomes shorter and quicker. Less oxygen is available to the body. As this process repeats, stress compounds. Compound stress begins to manifest in realities. Some examples of this can be physical illness, substance abuse, uncontrolled emotional issues, anxiety, and depression, to name a few.
Finding your inner resource, your happy place, can help reduce compound stress. The steps are simple and should be practiced regularly. It only takes a few moments, but you can always devote as much time as you wish. In doing so, we train our body to a calming reactive state that can help soothe the central nervous system rather than constricting the body.
The Basics
To begin, get comfortable in a reclined or otherwise supported position. Take a few moments to relax with some long, slow breaths. Begin to consider your senses. What sounds do you most enjoy? Imagine you can see your favorite colors. What flavors come to mind? Any aroma? What textures feel best to your touch? Begin to notice what is associated with these favorite sensations. The sounds may be those in nature, flavors may be from a memory, such as grandma’s cooking, and textures may be from stroking your pet.
As you begin to paint this picture, notice how each of these sensations makes you feel. Create a happy place in your mind, incorporating any or all of these favorites. Over time and with practice, you will develop this happy place. This retreat is a feeling, not a place. The feeling of...ahhh...everything is perfect in this moment, and there is not a thing I would change. Then, when moments of stress arise, you can conjure this inner resource as an immediate resilience tool. ~ 💚
Discover Your Happy Place - A Guided Meditation
Get comfortable, close your eyes, and listen.
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-6:00
Let’s dial back the clock to a warm spring day and go on an adventure!
There is a mindful meditation practice called yoga nidra. It’s a guided meditation that’s deeply relaxing. At the beginning of a session, you’re asked to imagine yourself in your happy place.
When I learned that there was a lake within a mile of the little red cottages, I was sold! This is my happy place…paddling on a peaceful lake on a beautiful day with my dogs! In this video, I take you along for a paddle as I discuss the importance of creating an inner sanctuary and show you the inspiration I use for mine. It’s also a beautiful memory I have with my beloved little dogs, Mala and Taco.
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Life Update: Summer Camp
Hummingbirds & Sunset on MsTree Pond
I returned to summer camp by mid-May, in time to greet the hummingbirds that had also made the long winter journey from the southwest. Everything is lush and green, a big change from the dusty, dry desert.
Morning snuggles
The first week back, I picked up a tick and have been treating for Lyme. I feel much better now, but it’s no fun being tick-sick!
Top of list was to retrieve my kayak and paddleboard from storage! I cannot express how happy I am to have my little boats right there outside my door, ready for a daily paddle!
The old lady and a puppy!
Mala has been extremely patient with Josie…mostly. Josie is growing and learning. She is 5 months old already! Josie’s first paddle was full of fidget and nearly falling in as Mala sat calmly by. Eventually, Josie got the hang of it and settled in. Both dogs love to paddle daily!
Camp Perks!
The glamping tent is up, and I have already had company! When I don’t have guests, I use it as a (rain/bug-free) yoga & meditation space. My little garden box is full, camp views are amazing, as are my neighbors here in this community!
Several years ago, I created this sankulpa…
“I live, work, and play in harmony with my values. I am living my authentic life, true to myself and my beliefs.”
The past few years have been challenging, yet here I am, surrounded by so many blessings.
It is imperative to establish the vibration in which you desire to exist!
Life still comes with its challenges, but I am constantly amazed and grateful at how well I have manifested so much beauty into my world!
June Coloring Page and Affirmation
I am living my authentic life!
There’s a project in the works! I can’t tell you what it is yet ( hint: It might be a coloring book!) Okay, it is! But you must wait a bit longer to know what it’s about. Here is a preview! I am sharing one of the graphics I created for this project. Enjoy!
Did you know that ALL the content in my newsletters is 100% created by me? That includes the coloring pages. Each monthly newsletter contains a FREE original coloring page to print, share, and use as a meditative tool.
Andrea Fortune is a meditation coach, specialising in trauma-informed care.
This author creates all content in this publication and therefore owns the intellectual property, including all photos, audio, video recordings, and art. This content may only be used in ways expressed in this publication. The author’s written consent is required for any other use, including commercial, artificial harvesting, or otherwise. ~ Andrea Fortune 2025
Great update & guided ♡ Love the guitar, your voice and the pace. Thanks for creating and sharing!