Coping with Stress No. 4

No. 4 - Begin and end the day with prayer, meditation and reflection

Its funny how we all forget to give ourselves time.   Too busy running around after other things.  But I have found a wonderful escape these last two weeks that I hope I never give up. 

I am getting up an hour earlier than usual, getting dressed in an comfy old clothes and going straight out of the door.   I take Florence with me, to the park, and we walk.  That's it.

We walk and I get some head space, before the mayhem of the morning begins.  Before this discovery I would take Florence along on the walk to school, but this usually resulted in chaos... either the arguing over who was going to hold her lead, or someone invariable tripping over her on the rush. 

And during that walk I get to notice things around me, even if its only for ten minutes.

the leaves changing, and the birds singing... and the silence.  I get to appreciate the silence.

I think of all the things I am grateful for, what I hope to achieve with my day ..... and I breathe.

Please please try it.... just 10 minutes will make such a difference.

Oh and at the weekend I took the two nippers with me, which wasn't as silent but was still wonderful..and I think they appreciated the same things as I did... except the silence.

And this is James' scarf...I  finally finished knitting it last week ...

which came in very handy on the very frosty morning!! 

Let me know if you try it...

xx

Comments

[Gemma]

How lovely and such good advice! I may do the same with Trev this morning as I got up early and don't have to be in work until half an hour later than usual today. I love these fresh mornings - they really do help to blow away the cobwebs. Right, just reaching for the wellies :) x

[http://heidi-talesofsnowdropcottage.blogspot.com/]

love the pics,the mornings are certainly changing & becoming autumnal,the colours are changing & there are conkers underfoot. i walk my little man every morning it is my first job of the day & that is when i tend to think & try to wake up slowly,if i have to walk oscar at a different time my day dosent feel right! when are we going to see some pics of florence? xx

[Sue]

I know exactly what you mean, 20 minutes of peaceful walking with the dogs running in the distance sets me up for a days work in the best possible way.

Sue xx

[Pauline Wilkinson]

I usually do this around spring time, i take my 2 beloved Weimararner dogs Amber & Ellie with me to the beach, 5 mins away from my house. Its lovely to smell the fresh air first thing in the morning. We have the beach all to ourselves.
Going to start up again, through Autumn.
Starting 6am tomorrow.
Thanks for the inspiration. x

[Irene]

I appreciate all of your posts on coping with stress. I have started doing this, (http://thegreengreek.blogspot.com/2009/08/morning-habits.html) then dropped it. You have reminded me how beautiful and serene it felt. Thank you.

[paintdropskeepfalling.wordpress.com]

I can't promise getting up an hour earlier! But you're right about the silence. I try and drive to work without the radio going, and get some head space that way.

[Cheri]

Cute ribbed scarf!

[callyscottage.blogspot.com]

I think the other important thing that you touched on is just taking a few moments - wherever you may be - to be grateful for all the things (or people) that make our world a better place - even if we don't always feel it!
I really do take time to count my blessings every morning and it is also a great way to start a day.(you are braver than me - getting up an hour earlier!!)
Warmest,
Cally xxx