Finding the calm within is about slowing down a little, nurturing
our spirit and taking care of ourselves. It's our
time to just "be" without having to accomplish something
off our never ending to do list. Here are a few simple suggestions
to find the calm within, but I encourage you to be creative
and find ways that work for you.
- Spending
time in nature:
The natural world has a healing effect upon us. Take a walk
in the woods, close your eyes for a moment and just listen.
Put your hands on a tree and feel the life within. Who cares
if people think you're weird? Allow yourself to simply "be"
and let nature do the rest.
- Engage
in physical activity: Try yoga, tai chi or any
other physical activity that connects the mind, body and
spirit. These ancient arts have been around for thousands
of years for a good reason: they work. If you've never been
to a yoga class, give it a try. Holding the positions requires
such concentration, that your mind will naturally become
more focused and calm.
- Practice
meditation:
Meditation is another ancient practice that calms the mind.
Beginning meditators must be patient to get through all
the mind chatter before experiencing peace and clarity.
If you are persistent, you will reach the stillness within.
You can start by practicing a simple breath counting meditation.
Inhale and count one, exhale and count two, inhale and count
three, and so on until you reach ten, then start again with
one. (A good book for beginning meditators is "Meditation
for Dummies").
- Listen
to music:
Certain kinds of music can have a calming effect on us and
bring about feelings of peace. Take the time to explore
types of music that relax you. Simply sit, without being
rushed, and listen to something beautiful and see what happens
(www.malimba.com
has wonderful music).
- Explore
your creative side:
Drawing, painting, writing, playing an instrument or doing
anything else creative can help you to find the calm within.
Real creativity comes from deep within, and in going deep
we find our true selves.
Feel free
to e-mail me
if you have any questions or comments, and please pass this
newsletter along to anyone who you think might be interested. |
