Wednesday, June 3, 2015

5 Tips to Being Still in a Hectic World


5 Tips to Being Still in a Hectic World

“Step out of the traffic! Take a long,

    loving look at me, your High God,
    above politics, above everything.”
-Psalm 46:10 (MSG)

1. Have a few minutes a day of stillness and quiet--preferably when you wake up.

Each day is a gift. In order for you to be still (in every sense of the word), it is important to breathe the day in before rushing into it. As women, our minds try to start rushing before our feet even hit the floor out of bed. It's of a great value to us to be still the first moments we awake--dwelling in thankfulness. It will steer your attitude in the correct direction for the day.

2. Turn the radio off or listen to classical music while driving. 

I enjoy music just as much as the next person--especially when I can sing along. But there is something soothing when I turn on my classical radio station. I am immediately put at ease. My muscles begin to relax. In order to be still, diffusing the sounds can help reign in your stress level.

3. Take a bath or hot shower at the end of the day.

Take my word for it. You will slow down. Don't take a magazine or book--just yourself. Breathe in & out. Relax and watch the stress leave you.

4. Light a candle.

Whether you're at the office or at home, you can bring peace to your environment by lighting a soothing candle. In the evenings, I light a lavender/vanilla scent or a wintergreen scent. In the morning, I light a lemongrass scent to awaken my senses. Whatever time of day it is, though, a candle immediately brings peace to the environment.

5. Take deep breaths.

Breathe in and out. As you do so, you'll sense peace.



Encouragement to you and stillness in every sense of the word. As you take up a few of these tips, may you bask in the goodness of Jesus! And may peace come to you and your day! 

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Unknown

I watched the movie, Wild, last night. My heart was left inspired and my heart burned to respond. I, like Cheryl Strayed, had traveled alone as a woman into the unknown. During my time, I was forced to look myself, hopes, and dreams in the face. I was forced to take a challenging look and then to respond.

But the real honesty is this: I'm still looking. I'm still responding. I'm still learning to dance in this world. But this, I have learned. I have seen it with my own eyes:

Life is fragile and unpredictable. It carries us along a road and a path of the unknown. And our faith is representative of this too. It is is winding discovery and a place of stability. 
-Hellen Willett

Home, that place where my heart resides--is the place where my heart resides. And home resides in my heart. And so, just as Cheryl Strayed, hiked to discover more of herself, I believe we have seasons in our lives where we need to do the same. 

Currently, I find solace and comfort in writing out my thoughts to keep me moving forward. Whether they are about faith, friends, relationships, home, cooking, or wine--my heart refuses to stop. This life is meant to be recorded and shared.

The story of human intimacy is one of constantly allowing ourselves to see those we love most deeply in a new, more fractured light. Look hard. Risk that.
-Cheryl Strayed