Everyday Calm: Relaxing Rituals for Busy People (6 page)

Sanctuary, serenity, peace, and spirituality are always close at hand. Take a step into a church, synagogue, or mosque and spend some quiet time. Find calmness and clarity as you travel within.

1. Turn off your phone or pager as you embark on this mini-retreat.

2. Before going inside, center yourself with a few calm breaths.

3. Enter the building and quietly find a seat.

4. Close your eyes and let your body relax.

5. Allow the sacred space to envelop you in calm.

6. Focus on what’s important in your life.

7. Ask, how can you put your heart’s desire into action?

Notice how thoughts of gratitude will suddenly arise!

Keep your cool the whole day through.

Here is a great way to perk up from the afternoon blahs. Whistle while you walk or drive, or anywhere where you know it won’t bother those around you. Let spontaneity reach its greatest heights. Sing your theme song or your favorite commercial. When you sing a tune, all your troubles melt away. Sing from your belly, and don’t hold anything back. Your tension will instantly change into a smile.

Daydreamers beware! Multitasking is a tempting time- saver that can be hazardous to your health. Sidewalks can be cluttered with obstacles, and you’ve got to be careful near busy streets. The challenge is to arrive at your destination safely. As you go about your business, walking, talking, and contemplating, keep a keen eye on what’s ahead of you. Anticipate possible roadblocks. Beware especially when talking on your cell phone or immersed in conversation. Staying sharp and alert will help guide you safely around town.

Cell-phone reception can disappear at the most inopportune moments. As with any frustrating technological malfunction, it’s important to get a grip on the emotional downturn that follows. Take a breath, have a laugh, and then redial. Sometimes a break in a call is just what you need to refocus and adjust your position.

Here is a quick stretch fix for when calls get dropped:

1. Inhale deeply through your nose.

2. Shrug your shoulders to your ears and hold for a moment.

3. Exhale thoroughly and let your shoulders drop.

Make your car a sanctuary, a place to find solitude away from home. Keep the car stocked with snacks, bottled water, and a selection of relaxing music to help you wind down. Parked on the side of a street or in a parking lot, let the music play, recline your seat, close your eyes, and take five. Steal moments for yourself in the midst of the everyday chaos. Notice how calm and efficient you become with each rest stop. This is your own private hideaway.