A beloved
friend from long ago told me that he appreciates that I “not only talk a good walk but do what I preach.” This is high praise from this humble preacher
man who was, in my childhood, an icon of reverence, good humor, and integrity. It
is true that from time to time, I like to demonstrate how I’ve done a
particular practice, to share and show rather than just “telling.” I want my
readers and clients to know that I actually do
the things I propose to them. And most importantly, I want people to know that
simple tools can work. That something
can work…That we have a choice about and opportunities to remain grounded.
Earlier this
week I posted the following writing tip:
Be a creator of peace on earth as you
journey through the holiday season. Write a list of twelve things that calm you
and are easy to do anytime, anyplace. Keep the list nearby and commit yourself
to peace by practicing something on your list each time you begin to feel
stressed. Sway with the changing winds, but remain rooted in serenity.
So in the spirit
of sharing, here’s my personal list in response to this task:
Use spirit jar
Take deep breaths
Meditate
Write a gratitude list
Walk
Close eyes for five minutes
Do a journal purge write
Place hands on the earth
Get in yoga’s child’s pose
Hug the dog
Enjoy an art image or photograph book
Paint mandalas
These work for
me. They’re accessible to me at any time, anywhere, with little prep or effort.
Some of these are my daily practices, too – those things I do on frequently to
stay sane when everything around me feels chaotic. Others on my list are what I
consider “decadent” – things I allow myself only as a rare treat.
While I have many other grounding
activities and practices I can do to move back into balance, these are the
simplest and most effective in “a pinch”: precisely the time I need such
de-stressors. With this short list of simple go-to activities, I can remain
rooted in peacefulness even as my day blows to the winds.
May you embrace
this upcoming season - of holidays, endings and beginnings, the shifting ratio
of light and darkness, events and visitors and obligations and socializing –
with moments of punctuated peace. May you generate calm. May you be calm. And as you are calm, despite
whatever else is happening, may you feel the solidarity of our common quest for
forward movement, deeper roots, and peaceful interconnection with all beings.
All blog images created & photographed by Jennifer J. Wilhoit unless otherwise noted. Please circulate images with photo credit: "©2015 JenniferJWilhoit/TEALarbor stories. AllRightsReserved."
