Aging Gratefully

Five ways to Find Inner Peace

Beauty is everywhere. When you come upon it unexpectedly it makes your heart sing and brings you a moment of peace. The photo in this blog was taken on my morning walk with friends. I’ve been seeing these lovely flowers for several days, heartened by their purity and surprised by where they were growing. Okay, they’re weeds (wild and invasive morning glories I think) but amid the gravel and dry soil these sturdy plants are flourishing and blooming.    

Finding beauty in life is one way to find inner peace. How do you relax at the end of a harried and hurried day? Here are five suggestions for ways to calm your spirit and put the bloom back in your life.

Walking:

A morning or evening walk is a good place to start. Walking releases tension and helps you relax. Unless we are by nature athletic, we tend to spend entirely too much time indoors. Reports show that people who walk regularly maintain their weight, are healthier and have a more positive outlook.

Prayer:

Whatever form your prayer or spiritual life takes, the oneness with the Creator brings calm in ways nothing else can. Studies indicate that those who attend worship services and meditate regularly are happier and more able to cope with day to day problems.

Friends:

Connections to friends are almost as important as time with family. Those who have a network of people they can call on, even if it’s just to say, “Hi,” are more well-adjusted and less apt to let stress rule their lives.

Family:

Time with family keeps us centered. We have a sounding board for our ideas and dreams. Try to have at least an hour a day when you and your family sit down and share a meal or have a conversation.

Leisure Time:

We tend to think we have to be busy, busy, busy. That only works until you run out of time and energy, and then what? Make time to do what you like to do, whether it is reading, watching television, listening to music… whatever allows you to relax your body and get outside your head now and then.

When you bring peace into your chaotic life, you – like those wild morning glories – will blossom.

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