A little peace and tranquility

 

'Peace can become a lens through which you see the world. Be it. Live it. Radiate it out. Peace is an inside job.' —Wayne Dyer

 

Life has this uncanny ability to twist us around its little finger, doesn't it? Lately, I've come to realize the mounting anxiety that accompanies a hectic week. There's truly nothing like the luxury of a leisurely lie-in, free from the rush for seemingly trivial reasons. Amidst the whirlwind of life, we often yearn for a slice of peace and tranquility. Mastering the art of relaxation and discovering inner peace seems to be a skill that requires effort and practice.

Personally, I've always discovered comfort in engaging both my mind and body in activities that radiate positivity and trigger those delightful happy hormones when I need them most. I've attempted to capture my thoughts on the approach I take to carve out moments of peace and tranquility.

Enjoy being with nature 

Nature possesses its own healing touch. When I'm feeling low, I make it a point to take a stroll amidst nature. Even if a nature walk isn't readily available, spending a few minutes in your local park can do wonders for your mood. Studies suggest that just 20 minutes in a park can significantly enhance emotional well-being. Personally, I prefer to sit and absorb the sights and sounds of flowers, trees, birds, and the occasional barking of dogs at play.

A relatively recent practice gaining popularity is 'Forest Bathing,' rooted in the Japanese art and science of how trees contribute to health and happiness—known as shinrin-yoku. If you find yourself needing activity during your solitary park time, our modern gadgets, particularly smartphones, can be quite useful. I often capture pictures of nature's wonders, documenting swaying trees in the wind and more.

Indulge yourself a little!

Absolutely, treat yourself to something you've been putting off for far too long. This advice is universal, whether you're a man or a woman. Remember that tennis match you and your friend planned ages ago? It's time to hit the court! That book patiently waiting for you, the favorite movie queued up on Netflix, the cake recipe you've been eyeing, or that overdue beauty salon appointment—don't let them slip away.

The guilt of neglecting personal pleasures often arises from prioritizing family and other obligations. But it's crucial to grant yourself the luxury of enjoying things that bring you happiness. Take a moment, reassess, take a deep breath, and then go ahead—tackle those neglected desires.

Artist - Loyleena

Focus on the good 

Shift your focus to the positive side of life. We're all familiar with life's highs and lows. The age-old advice of 'count your blessings' has stuck around for a reason—I wholeheartedly endorse it. I recently participated in a resilience training session led by Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook's COO. She shared insights from her own life, which included some profoundly challenging moments. One practice she emphasized was reflecting on three good things that happened each day before bedtime.

This struck a chord with me because I've always done a similar exercise, not necessarily jotting them down but mentally recounting them. It's a practice that brings me a sense of inner peace and harmony with life. In fact, it has paved the way for many restful nights.

I'm certain that beyond my own approach, there are countless ways to infuse a sense of peace into our lives. The quote that kicks off this blog resonates much like my dear husband's reminder: 'It's your choice as an individual to dwell in a state of happiness or sadness.' Nevertheless, there are moments when a little assistance can go a long way, don't you think?