Peaceful Heart
the quest for a quiet mind
Hello friends,
I hope you're all doing well and finding ways to keep your life peaceful and stress free. That’s been a challenge for me for the past couple weeks. Well, all the time to be honest, but some days it’s harder to practice the habits I know I should in order to feel better. Sometimes I want to wallow in worry for a while. Because who doesn’t like the occasional pity party? And because worry feels like you’re actually doing something when you are really not, but I have learned that finding ways to relieve stress and anxiety can lead to a peaceful heart and a blossoming creativity.
When I’m feeling overwhelmed and anxious, it is difficult to tap into my imaginative self. My mind feels cluttered and like there's no room for anything else. But when I make an effort to chill TF out, I can open up space for my mind to wander and explore. This week, I even had to set reminders each day to simply breathe! And, when I did take that time for that simple practice, boom!: creativity and inspiration abounded and I was able to begin to paint a real painting on canvas.
The image above left is a messy collage in my weekly planner, designed specifically to help remind me to keep myself grounded and calm. The back side of the strip tucked into the tea bag envelope is a list of things I jotted down to help me get there: just breathe, take a walk, meditate, have a cuppa, yoga stretches, listen to soothing music. If you don’t have a go-to list, stop now and make one so you don’t have to try to come up with something when you are feeling stressed out. If you do have a list, share some of your favorite chill pills below!
The image on the right is on the back side of the same page; just a lovely painting (sorry, I don’t know the artist) and a quote from Carolyn Myss that remind me both of a peaceful heart and my word of the year, grace. It’s been a good reminder to see each day as I consult my planner.
My friends, I encourage you to take a little time each day for yourself, even if it’s 60 seconds for a couple deep breaths. Who knows, you may even find that you've unlocked a new level of creativity that you didn't know existed.
Take good care of you and stay peaceful!
I always think I am the only one who worries like this, then I read or hear something like this and am reminded that I am not alone. Sending you peace.
A formidable go to list. Breathing, of course, is essential. A nice, waltz-timed, meditative breathing routine for me. A cuppa is also great...even better with a titch of Irish cream whiskey. Music is a must although most of what I listen to cannot be construed as soothing.
Adding to your list:a curl up with a good book you know you will get lost in(either of the Alice's or To Kill A Mockingbird for me, depending upon my mood), and a dance party for one(thus the lack of soothing in my music) starting with anything from Motown if I want to be nostalgic, or The Killers(hello Mr Brightside)if I need a little head banging.
PS...you can always send an IM to a trusting friend and vent to your hearts content(wink).