How to Find Pockets of Peace in a Frantic World
By Sandy Schroeder
As fall moves ahead, you may feel like plunging right in, or not. Just the thought of an accelerated schedule punctuated with family and work demands may give you pause, but there are ways to survive.
One of the best ways that I have found to hang onto sanity and savor life is establishing little "pockets of peace" along the way. You might get up 20 minutes early to just sit and sip your coffee, before everybody else converges on the kitchen and the day really begins. Or you might try other options.
Take 20 minutes - When you arrive home at night, just breathe in and out in a quiet spot to shed the day. That break between work and home can help you set a better mood for the evening.
Set aside an hour - Once a week, you might reserve time just for you to browse your favorite bookstore, stroll through a fun flea market, or do a special yoga or tai chi class.
Disappear - Now and then you might take an afternoon off from work to remember who you are, and how you got here. Invite a friend to coffee and trade thoughts on what it's all about.
Vent a little - When deadlines keep showing up, schedule a strategic trip or shopping spree down the road to give you something to shoot for.
Timeout on the weekend - Grab your keys and round up family or friends. Drive out to a favorite park or lake to do an impromptu deli picnic.
Party alert - Find a party flag and post it on your door. Then whip up your favorite black bean tacos, pasta dish or salad buffet and invite your favorite friends.
Do the homework - Find some new reading material at the bookstore or your local library. Ask a friend for good recommendations or read the reviews in the New York Times.
Brainstorm - Stock up on pads of paper, pens, pencils, and markers. Then line them up in your office, den or spare bedroom and make it a creative retreat or decision spot when you really need one.
Create green space - Make a small retreat inside or out with greenery, either real or silk plants. Add some pillows and mats, and your favorite shells or rocks. When the going gets tough, hide out there.
Most of us do our best to show up, but creating a few little “pockets of peace” might make it easier to do so.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lincoln, Nebr.
