It has been an amazing whirlwind of a summer for me. I’ve driven over 7,000 miles, processed a bit more stress than I cared to, and have neglected some of my most valuable spiritual practices.
On a brighter note, I’ve also learned about my own independence, about my reliance upon others, and about finding my voice (all simultaneously, it seems).
I’m happy for the whirlwind to slow down, and am anxious for balance and normalcy to return.
When we’re pushed beyond our comfort zone, our body, mind, and spirit long for the peace we find in familiarity.
Stressful situations leave our minds cluttered and exhausted. We become frustrated and irritable without even realizing it.
Putting miles on our bodies makes us physically tired, stiff, and sore. Soon we find that we’re unmotivated to do the very thing we need … to move our bodies.
Neglecting our spiritual routines can leave us feeling empty. Sometimes we go days before we realize that we’ve accidentally swept our foundation right under the rug.
I’ve found that whether I’m stressed from travel, overwork, or difficult situations, returning to the familiar brings serenity, comfort, and balance.
When you’re stressed, return to the familiar … in mind, body, and spirit.
- Mind – Be honest with yourself. When things are in a state of stress or confusion, it’s easy to default to the thoughts, feelings, and expectations of others. Be honest about what matters to you…about what you think and feel.
- Body – Meet a friend for coffee or dinner. Seeing a smiling, familiar face can quiet your busy mind and brighten your day. Take time to rest when you need to, and exercise as much as you can. Our bodies crave both rest and exercise.
- Spirit – Meditative and spiritual practices ground your mind and body. Seek spiritual places whether you’re at home or on the road. Keep a book of scriptures, quotes, or meditations nearby. Read it as often as you need to.
No matter where this week takes you, seek the familiar, and take good care.
erm..restoring balance..interesting. I love it.
Sometimes, when we feel stress or having many job, that will interupt our balancing.
earnword recently posted..No longer with Awsurveys
I agree! When we have too many jobs, even if they’re all good jobs, we can get off balance and feel stressed. Returning to the familiar helps us find the calm again.
Thanks for visiting !
Jane
Jane recently posted..A Mini-Guide For Restoring Balance- Return To The Familiar
I guess like you said, we don´t need to be returning from a long trip or long work day to look for balance. Good idea to return to the familiar during a routine week.
Meeting a friend and reading a book were my favorite suggestions. In fact, after spending 6 hours in front of the computer, that´s what I´m gonna do!
Wonderful, Marilia! Isn’t it amazing how a nap restores our energy and we wake up refreshed. Sometimes I’m feeling stressed and choose to take a nap, I wake up refreshed, and ready to accomplish my next good thing!
Reading books can also take us to another time and place. When our minds are engaged by the words on the page we’re much less likely to worry with the distractions of the day.
What kinds of books do you like to read, Marilia?
🙂 Jane
Jane recently posted..A Mini-Guide For Restoring Balance- Return To The Familiar
Another thing about a nap is to love it unconditionally, with no guilt 🙂
Jane, now that you asked, I´ll tell you the books I just got from Amazon: The Four Hour Week, Getting Things Done; Vagabonding and Crush it! Why now is the cime to Cash on your passion.
I like all kinds really, as long as is very good 😉 My favorite authors are Charles Bukowski and Henry Miller.
What kind of books do you like?
Marilia recently posted..Why the school system is dangerous
Aaah, I love naps. Particularly since we visited a friend in Spain last November and learned the value of siestas.
Thanks for sending your book and author lists. I haven’t read any of the books, but will check them out.
Two of my favorite authors are Melody Beattie and Barbara Kingsolver, but I love a variety of books. I recently read A Homemade Life, by Molly Wizenberg. Right now I’m reading A Painter’s Garden, by my friend Christine Walker, and The Omnivores Dilemma. Just so many books, and so little time!
Hope you’re having a great weekend!
Take good care,
Jane
dare I say… I almost wonder if I go of course in-order to experience the sublime moment of returning.
When life is full and there’s so much on our plates, balance can feel so far from attainable. Your reminder to return is brilliant.
Aileen recently posted..3 Building Blocks to Success
On a teenytiny scale … maybe it’s like making a huge, chaotic (but very creative) mess on the living room floor, and then being able to fully appreciate that moment when everything is cleaned up again, and put back in place.
Stressful whirlwinds aren’t necessarily negative … but returning to familiar balance is always sooo sweet!
Glad to see you today, Aileen! 🙂
Take good care!
Jane recently posted..A Mini-Guide For Restoring Balance- Return To The Familiar