A gentle guide to calm

We all display a shared desire for down time, seeking refuge in our days off, to recover from the stresses littered around us. Intending to harvest the peace that follows self care and self regulation, which flows so tenderly into our lives. We all have preferred pathways to peace, routes we like to walk. Activities were eager to engage in, hobbies, recipes, people and places that restore and maintain the architecture of our peace.

Yet innocently we turn to distractions from our stress with no hesitation. Distractions such as mindless consumption of alcohol, processed foods or social media. We persistently indulge in distractions, hoping for a quick fix to change the tempo of our internal rhythm. Disregarding the bodies ability for regulation, substituting the possibility for peace with the indulgence of a rush.

As fun as dopamine surfing is, let’s face it, it is nothing short of exhausting. Yet ironically we plan, or accidentally accommodate for dopamine indulgences when we really need to regulate and relax. Relaxation is something we experience when we are regulated, not something we can command from ourselves on the spot. It’s something we must prepare for, collaborate with our bodies, minds and emotions to foster an environment that is fertile for relaxation.

The assumption that we can or should be able to step into relaxation when we need to with no preparation robs us of our potential for peace. We all prepare for time off booking activities, deciding what to wear and planning itinerary’s. With slim time left to prepare ourselves and check in with how we feel. Drowning in a mixture of excitement and unresolved stress we land at our destination and find it impossible to be present.

Holidays, date nights and day trips are us usually anything but cheap, but the most expensive outgoing of all is your time. So we owe it to ourselves, our relationships and our bank accounts to rethink relaxation. Take time to understand our bodies and needs so that we can attend to stress and create space for peace. After all to put pressure on ourselves to relax on command only creates irritation and disappointment.

So how do we relax?

By gathering an understanding of the nature of stress and relaxation and the manifestation of there characteristics within physical, cognitive and emotional domains. To reciprocate the resilience and support our bodies and minds try so hard to provide for us. Ultimately befriending our body and mind, to develop love and compassion for ourselves, making way for the potential for peace. Understanding the difference between indulging in detrimental pleasure seeking behaviours, and staging mindful interventions that pave the way for our peace.

Have a holiday coming up this summer that you are ready to be present for and make the most of? Stay tuned for this series - The path to patience and peace.

Love,

Amy