Week 4: Simple Pleasures Bring Us Peace
Thank you for joining us on Week 4 of Holiday Less Stress Challenge. Today we will ruminate on simplicity.
You may recall the lyrics to a classic song for children:
"'Tis a gift to be simple, and a gift to be free."
There is peace to be found in the simplest of pleasures.
Think about all of the activities you participate in each day.
These days, we spend a lot of time using technology.
We check our phones more times than we can count.
Most of our daily doings are, in fact centered around using our smart phones.
Is this actually smart?
It's certainly not peaceful! Think about how you feel on the inside, when the compulsion to check that mini take-along computer strikes again and again.
If you crave simpler times, then do this:
Just put the phone away.
It's likely that no one will come down on you if a few hours pass before you check messages.
No one can do anything to you if you miss a call.
Someone tries to contact you for a last-minute holiday favor? It's okay if you miss the call or text. Life will carry on.
The first step we can take as we immerse ourselves in blissful simplicity, is to free ourselves from technology.
With your phone set aside or maybe even shut off… how do you feel now?
Are you any closer to a truly peaceful holiday season?
Next, think of all of the activities you used to joyfully partake in before technology took over your life.
What are they?
What simple things ground you and bring you a deep, abiding sense of peace and contentment?
Here are some pastimes that may help once again gain that elusive sense of peace. You can put a holiday spin on any of these, and have yourself a merry and peaceful season.
Crafting - paint, crochet, or craft an ornament out of wood
Dancing - grab your sweetie and dance to Christmas music
Music - play some holiday background music at dinner tonight
Exploring nature - collect pine cones to make a holiday wreath
Reading a great book - how about Dickens' A Christmas Carol?
Spending time with loved ones - make your holiday gatherings cozy and relaxed
Showing love to your pets - slip out for a walk in the wintry air
Cooking - take a moment to recreate grandma's favorite holiday recipe
Gardening - yes, you can have fresh picked veggies like cabbage, kale, carrots… even in December
What do all of these activities have in common?
They engage the creative mind!
What happens to your brain when your inner muse and maker wakes up and becomes connected?
When we set to certain tasks that engage both our hands and mind, something amazing happens. We zone in and are able to relax. A sense of peace comes over us.
Did you know that incarcerated people often find contentment in simple activities like knitting, reading, cooking, and caring for animals?
There is no better therapy than putting the mind and hands to work creating or building something useful.
Working for a purpose also delivers a sense of peace.
It's as though we are wired to make a difference in the world by way of our skills.
JOURNAL IT:
For your journaling activity associated with today's challenge, make a short list of activities that bring you the greatest peace.
Describe the activity.
Explain why it makes you feel good to do the activity.
When was the last time you did this simple thing that you love to do? If it's been a while, what's been stopping you from enjoying this activity?
If time is an issue, how can you do your day a bit differently to make time for your special activity that you love? Is there something that you can consolidate or let go? Make a plan for positive change!
What supplies do you need to get started with this simple pleasure once again?
For my paying supporters: Did you download your Holiday Journal already (see post of Nov. 8th)? What do you think about it? Is this helping you to journal your thoughts and bring some peace of mind? I also strongly invite you to read the rest of this message to discover a new exercise and extra tips to help you integrate more peace into your holiday season.