Issue 5.13
Whatever stage of life you are in now, you probably long for a few quiet moments to relax and experience solitude. If your life is too busy, maybe it’s time to slow down and consider meditation. It’s a way to empty or clear your mind of thoughts so you can concentrate on just one thing deeply and carefully. If you’re on the treadmill of life rushing onward toward success and prestige, there’s little time to analyze where or what you are becoming. There are many ways to mediate.
Just taking time to examine your feelings and current situation in a diary can lower your blood pressure and stress. I find writing in my journal helps me clear my thoughts and reflect on my priorities and values. Quiet times need to be planned. Nature always relaxes me. Sunsets are a perfect time to go inward and examine your life. Daily prayer can be a healing practice that’s good for body and soul. Expressing your gratitude for blessings received, prayers answered or seeking to develop faith in a higher power is never wasted time.
Learning how to do yoga or tai chi can assist you in deep breathing and clearing out your mind and spirit in order to live more peacefully. It’s so important in the modern world of 24/7 newscasts that can fill your days to take timeout. Try listening to New Age or peaceful instrumental music instead of insipid TV programs and blaring commercials that demand too much of your attention.
Take a walk on a labyrinth. It’s sometimes called a walking meditation. There’s probably one in your community nearby. It’s a pattern of rocks that forms a circle for walking, a place of reflection and contemplation. When you begin the pattern, try to slow down your mind, clear out the strident inner voices so you can get in touch with your inner self. It can be a path of prayer and wisdom. As you walk, the pattern will take you to the center of the circle then back out to where you began. If you use this activity to center yourself, you will feel refreshed and renewed from taking this time to meditate. We have a lovely labyrinth in Kayenta called Desert Rose: a place of rest and renewal. It was a favorite place for my visiting teenage grand daughters. We discuss how the path there is similar to LIFE.
NEXT TIME: Making a Difference. Another Write Your Life Story weekend workshop will be taught by Lin Floyd at AHA! Artful Healing Academy 71 N 100 W in St. George on Fri. Feb 8 6-8 pm and Sat. Feb 9 from 10 am-3 pm. Cost $40 which includes lunch on Sat. or $35 if you register early before Feb 5. Call 628-8522 or email lin@sunrivertoday.com for more info.