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March 15 Breathe In, Breathe Out

PROMPT March 15th ▼

What are some ways you reduce stress and create happiness in your everyday life?

Faced with a worldwide pandemic, stress has been heightened. I addressed a few ways I deal with stress in a previous blog.

"January 13, 2020 Solitaire and Basketball" 

In this time of social isolation, I still have Solitaire even though Basketball has been shut down. I also love long walks in nature but going hand in hand with this pandemic is cold wet weather, which, wuss that I am, is keeping me indoors. I guess I should count my blessings, I still have Solitaire and I read the virus prefers warm weather so maybe the cold will help suppress it.

I have practiced meditation for years, a great stress reliever. And weirdly, I have found the simple task of washing my hands in hot soapy water has a calming effect. Beside being one of the number one preventative actions to ward off the virus, washing my hands has become a meditation of sorts.

I have to admit, I've always felt I am most productive in stressful moments, I work well under stress. So when I seek to relieve stress, I don't seek to eliminate it, just keep it in balance. I try to stay mindful and in tune with body, soul, environment, and community.

breathe in, breathe out
slow the heart, clear the mind
be one with all
         ~~jvg