With Christmas season we often become so stressed out about plans for the holidays, shopping, arranging for parties. Or we have to get presents, make plans, arrange for places to stay if we travel or if someone else is traveling to visit. Life becomes hectic as we get caught up in Christmas plans.
We need to make time to calm down and relax especially when everything is going crazy. Even a few minutes at a time can help. Some ways to relax even for a few minutes, if the weather permits, is to go outside and sit on your porch for 5 minutes. Use your senses to BE where you are at that moment. Listen to the wind, the birds, the trees’ limbs, or leaves as they move with the wind. What else do you hear? This may be a little difficult if you live near a busy thoroughfare.
If you do go to a nearby active park, just sit or walk quietly. Listen to the children playing or the dogs barking. Use all of your senses. Listen to the sounds of life from the trees, people or life around you. Smell the dry, dead leaves of winter or the new fresh growth of spring. You may even try tasting pollen, honey- suckle flowers, or any plants you recognize and know are safe.
Feel the heat of the sun or the cold of the wintry wind on your skin. Put your fingers in the sand or dirt. If there are flowers touch them gently so as not to bruise them. Feel the cold or cool metal that the benches and playground equipment are made of.
Look around. Do you see any squirrels, interesting birds, bugs moving around in the grass or dirt or other wildlife? Are there interesting flowers, plants, trees, land or rock formations?
Vision is one of my favorite senses. I was taught to enjoy beauty as a child by my parents. I learned to love beauty and photography from my father.
Sometimes just being aware of our surroundings can bring great joy, possibly peace, admiration and a sense of awe for the beauty we would miss if we didn’t open our eyes. And that beauty may help us retrieve a sense of calm and peace. Here are some pictures of the beauty I’ve seen and captured with my camera..Admiration and joy from nature is a spiritual experience.
Take time away from the stresses. Relax and enjoy this Christmas seaon more fully and make happy memories with your families and friends.We use our senses every day but how much attention do we give to our world and the beauty it holds for us.
joyful2beeblogs 
I’m not a news junkie. In fact, since the last election I avoid it as the meanness has amped up. We have a lot of quiet in our home. While it’s nice, I can find it isolating too. Perhaps everything in moderation (except national news!).
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I am with you my friend!! I have birds outside my window. I enjoy listening to them and the rain, wind, and whatever I can hear from my mind. I too can only take so much of what’s going on. I love my quiet, peaceful home.
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5 minutes really isn’t very long, but oh so refreshing. Whoops! Did I say 5? With me, it usually turns into a few more. It’s a much happier, more beautiful world outside of the newsroom. Happy New Year!
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I should have said longer but for may 5 minutes is a good starting point. Maybe someone will try it. Hugs and thank you for responding!!
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I love that you said 5 minutes. Those with little time need to know how valuable to their well-being a 5 minute stop, look, and listen break can be. I’ve just found that if I give myself an opportunity to take the time, how ever long, I often love it so much, I extend it. Hugs right back!!!
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This is such a refreshing post!
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Anne Leueen, thank you! It’s response like these that keeps me writing!! I love knowing that I may be helping someone enjoy their day better or learn something or even laugh at or enjoy something. Have a wonderful week!
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I couldn’t agree more. Unplugging and stepping out into nature will give you more then any electronic ever could. https://noelliesplace.com/2018/09/26/timeless/
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I find when the weather is bad, it is helpful to have a cat or pet of choice and just sit and be with it. Thanks for commenting.
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🌞
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I love silence. I am annoyed in my later years that I have tinnitus and thus there is always a ringing in my ears. But out doors I hear it less. Nice post Joy.
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Thank you, Anne. So sorry you have tinnitus. But glad you are less bothered by it outdoors. I am so glad you liked this post. Thank you for commenting!!
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Very refreshing post and here in India we are completely quarantined cannot step out for walks even if we want, all our parks are closed but only for grocery shopping can we step out that also once in five days. Stay safe.
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Thank you, Boundless for commenting. We also have restrictions about going out. In my country some people don’t believe it is the big deal that it is.. Some states have only recently have started the Shelter in Place rule. Some people even had church services in spite of the laws to protecting them. It is sad that they either do not believe the danger or in denial of how serious the Covid 19 virus is. I wear a mask if I go anywhere. I also have a concierge service get my groceries for me, so I only have brief trips to the grocery store. I am almost 69 and value my life. I want to live a lot longer. Blessings and continued good health to you!
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