Connecting with nature, meditation and relaxation … . The sun shone yesterday so mid-afternoon I took time out to go for a bike ride. I tend to ride less than I ought to, partly because I tend to think of it as a treat and there is often something more important to do. However, with the sun shining after so many days of rain, I thought I would seize the moment and take advantage of that sun.
I headed out along some peaceful country lanes to the north of the town and was struck by how lovely everything looked. The rain has made everything lush and green and with the sun shining through the trees it was really beautiful. The air show is this weekend so there were a few aircraft overhead from time to time, practicing their routines and displays, but that just added a tinge of excitement and anticipation in the air.
As I cycled I passed a man walking towards me. We exchanged smiles and said hello and I noticed he was carrying a rosary in his hand, thumb and finger poised as if counting his beads. It struck me that he was probably saying his Hail Mary’s as he walked.
One of the great ways to relieve stress is through meditation. Taking time out to still the mind and leave your worries behind. However, there are lots of other activities that have a meditative quality and prayer is certainly one of them. Although I’ll never know for sure, it seemed to me that the man was engaged in a meditative activity. He was walking in beautiful countryside and if he was saying prayers or Hail Mary’s, then that would have provided a concentrated focus for his thoughts.
Not only is stress the underlying issue behind many illnesses and pain, another effect of stress is that we are not able to think as clearly, our problems and thoughts can just go around and around in our heads. The hormones designed for fight and flight result in impeded higher brain function and it becomes difficult to make complex decisions. We are equipped to choose whether to run, fight or hide, but at the expense of being able to process anything more complex. By taking some time to relax, re-energise and calm the mind, you can relieve your stress and regain your ability to think clearly. You’ll then make better decisions that may in turn lead to less stress.
So what do you do to take your mind off your troubles? What could you do that would engage your mind and distract you from your worries? Is it something connected with nature? Or the arts perhaps… painting, sculpting, making music can all be absorbing and take you ‘out of yourself’ for a while. Perhaps it is yoga or meditation or walking the dog in quiet contemplation. Whatever your thing is, make sure you find some time each day to do it. No matter how busy and stressed you may feel, taking a few minutes break from it all can make a massive difference to your health and feelings of wellbeing.
If you are struggling to cope with life’s stress then call me now on 07962 896422
