Stepping Away from Stress
Stress ruins your intelligence, it ruins your relationships and it ruins your capacity to be an empathetic and reflective human being.
Taking time out to relax, meditate, listen to classical music, go for a walk, observe nature etc etc gives your mind a chance to go deeper. To reflect on your inner life, your aspirations, and your values rather than it skimming around on the surface tension of your life like a demented pond skater!
Here in the UK, we're heading towards National Downshifting Week, a week where we’re encouraged to shift into a lower gear. It’s a great idea. But one week a year only represents 2% of our existence. I’m looking for more.
I’ve seen the havoc stress wreaks in lives and relationships and I’m becoming more and more insistent on a stress free zone. I’m walking away from it. Avoiding relationships that induce it. And keeping clear of people who spill stress wherever they go. And I’m starting to feel good. I’ve been working on my life audit for some time now and I’m liking it.
Why should we waste our lives slipping over in the oil slick of other people’s stress? We all have choices and opportunities, to learn, to grow, to improve. I’m seeking out the thoughtful folk. And I’m appreciating them more and more...
Free to Enjoy the Simple Pleasures of Life
Things I’ve enjoyed immensely this week. Feeding wild birds and watching them fly in for the seeds nuts I put out for them. Watching our rescued rabbits hop around happily. Listening to my daughter and her friends singing at an Easter service. Laughing with my friends. Planting herbs. Cooking for my family. Meditating. Practising Qigong. Writing.
All simple pleasures that can be killed stone dead by stress. If we’re running out the door to buy shoes, or grabbing for a snack, cigarette, or drink at the first inkling of stress, it means we’ve lost sight of the little treasures in life that allow us to perceive the preciousness of our existence.
Join me and start downshifting today, right here, right now and get in touch with your good side.
Photo by hamed