Relax

How to use the rhythm of the sea to calm your breathing.

There’s nothing like a walk to encourage those ‘feel good’ endorphins to do their job. It’s such an aid to relaxation too and helps clarity of thinking. So it’s a win, win!

I enjoy taking photos on my walks which helps me reflect and meditate upon the beauty and scale of all God has created for us to enjoy. The rhythm of walking also helps still my mind, as do many of the sounds like fresh spring water, bird song and the rustling of the wind though the tress.

Sometimes I’ll reflect on a verse from the Bible as I walk. This one’s a particular favourite:

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. (Matthew 11:28 MSG)

We can be worn down by so many things, but this verse always reminds me to take ‘time out’ from the congestion of life.

When was the last time you went for a reflective, relaxing walk?

Come on a relaxing walk with me in Chatsworth Country Park. What can you see & hear?

Creating Your Own Private Haven

This is the view from a house I stayed in while working on the Isle of Man. Both the wooden carving & the spectacular views of the hills beckoned me to find that place of peace.

Another helpful way to switch off from the busyness of life is to create a dedicated relaxation space in a room or even in the garden. And if your short of space try using a particular chair as your relaxation chair.

This was my prayer space on the Isle of Man when I worked there. The house I stayed in, had an amazing view and the ‘Peace’ carving was a wonderful reminder to relax and pray.

Mindful Housework

Washing up doesn’t have to be a chore!

I enjoy washing up. Honestly. When I wash the dishes late at night I enjoy gazing at the moon and stars which are in a different arrangement every night. Sometimes they put on a great show for me - I’ve even seen Saturn and Neptune.

When I wash the dishes, it’s a reflective, contemplative process and reminds me of that wonderful scripture:

I’m in good company, of course, because a 17th century monk called Brother Lawrence stumbled across this practice of reflection while washing the dishes. He called it ‘practicing the presence of God’. Apparently, he had such an ecstatic time washing up sometimes, that he danced!

Relax & allow the beauty & rhythm of the sunset sea to calm your mind, body & spirit.

Treat Yourself 💐

Don’t forget to treat yourself. Yes, you’re worth it. Looking after yourself is an investment in yourself and your health. When you’re in good health - mind, body & spirit, you’re in a better place to care for others. You wouldn’t run a car without fuel, or an electric car without charging it first.

So write those ‘treats’ into your diary. It might be a regular trip to the coffee shop, the cinema, a massage etc.