We Americans have a “go, go!” lifestyle.
We’re very focused on our work, leaving little time for things like building relationships and emotional recharging.
Yesterday, I watched a “Traveling With Kristin” YouTube video, “How I see the US after living abroad for 15 years.” Kristin commented that the hurried pace of American life was evident when she returned to the US as soon as she departed the airplane. Everyone was scurrying around the airport in a great rush. She said the pace of life in Europe is much more relaxed.
With our stressful lifestyle, it’s important to take some time for physical and emotional recharging.
In Psycho Cybernetics, Maxwell Maltz relates an experience at Yellowstone National Park. He waited patiently for the geyser, Old Faithful, which erupts about hourly. When the geyser erupted, a small boy asked his father, “Why does it do that?”
“Well,” said his father, “I guess old Mother Earth is like the rest of us. She builds up a certain amount of pressure, and every once in a while just has to blow off steam to stay healthy.”
Ideally, we all should take vacations or have a vacation home retreat. It’s a luxury many of us can’t afford or just don’t have the time for when we really need emotional and mental recovery.
In Chapter 4 of Psycho Cybernetics, “Do-It-Yourself Tranquilizers Which Bring Peace of Mind”, Maltz describes creating an imaginary Quiet Room that you can mentally retreat to, if only for a few minutes when life becomes stressful.
In Psalm 91 of the Old Testament, the psalmist describes dwelling “in the secret place of the Most High,” suggesting a peaceful, prayerful, meditative state, where we aren’t disturbed by the cares of the world.
Many practice Transcendental Meditation or other meditative practices to regain a centered, peaceful state.
In the holiday classic film, White Christmas, Bing Crosby sings “Count Your Blessings”. “If you’re worried you can’t sleep, try counting blessings instead of sheep. And you’ll go to sleep, Counting Your Blessings.” Counting our blessings is a great meditative practice for the holidays or any time. It places our focus on the positive things in our lives.
This holiday season, take a break from the hustle and bustle and practice some self-care. After you take time to recover, you’ll be better prepared to face life’s challenges.