Have You Taken Your Chill Pill?

When life is overflowing with activities and appointments, sandwiched between busy weekends we all need to remember to chill.

What I'd really like is a few minutes on this glorious summer day to sit down among some flowers with a cup of coffee to reflect and to just be still.

Easier said than done.

With no time at all, how can I squeeze that essential life spirit back into busy days and relax and refill when I need it most?

Of course, the answer is I simply have to force myself to make time, even if it's just a few minutes. I say to myself the housework will wait, the paper clutter will not run away, the texts, emails and voice mails will still be there. But for now, I will do something even more important.

These are some of my favorite ways to chill:

Reflection by writing.
Putting thoughts on paper. Checking into my blog, writing in my journal, scribbling down a few notes for my scrapbook to use another day when there is more time.

Appreciating nature.
Taking a stroll around a local park and capturing a few images with the camera.

Small pleasures.
Sipping hot coffee and mindfully reflecting on how delicious it is.

Favorite music.
I have found great pleasure in taking those brief moments alone to listen the music. from Vivaldi, to Stevie Ray Vaughan, from the Animals to ChromoSphere; it's whatever speaks to my soul at that moment.

My cats.
Plain and simple, Blue and Nica bring down my blood pressure. They make me laugh. They also make me melt with their unconditional love.

My man
Being in the moment with the love of my life are moments at their best when living in a sweet, respectful, playful zone. Needless to say, all activities that produce large quantities of endorphins are encouraged! ;-) We always try to stay tethered to that feeling that brought us together in the first place.

Envisioning a peaceful place.
Sometimes I envision myself sitting on the shady banks of a river, watching the water rush by, and imagine all my burdens (however slight or silly they may seem!) being lifted and carried away. It only takes a moment and is so freeing.

Singing
When I'm "inside a song", I am feeling the most of who I am. The rhythm transports me and the lyrics express me. (It can be addicting though.)

I've noticed when I quit rushing around to make time to be relax and refill, all the crazy chaos will start falling into place and life will run much smoother.

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