THOUGHTS
Even with the HEAT DOME surrounding where I live and stretching to the north and south of us, as well as across the Atlantic to Europe, we all still need some of that sunshine. Our bodies crave sunlight.
Just for me and many others, it won't be in the middle of the day. I try to get out early in the morning and again in the late afternoon. It is a fact that morning light helps to set our circadian rhythm for a better and more sound sleep. Research shows more time in the sun is associated with lower blood pressure for those dealing with hypertension. More time in the sun is associated with boosting our moods, even. In this heat, it is not for an extended amount of time. Just enough to get a brief walk, run some water in the pool, take off the dead roses so more will blossom, and the never-ending job of keeping the yard clear of the "dogs' business. Sitting out under the umbrella, putting on sunscreen and floating in the pool will have to wait until it cools down a bit.
The pool is like bathwater. Am I picky? I guess you could say so. There was a time when Steve and I wanted to float in the pool even on very hot days. To help cool things down, he went out to get bags of ice just to throw in the pool. It did help out some.
Join the caravan of those who have turned their faces to the sun.
Our bodies really do need some of that sunshine.
Another subject? Beauty! Both inside and outside! "Beauty matters. It is not just a subjective thing but a universal need of human beings." ~ Scherzo di Follio (1861)
It is important to notice beauty in unexpected places. It helps to nurture our souls. We can find it in our own homes - it is all around us. We really can't ignore that a calming order in our homes or at work, can actually bring a sense of calmness to our souls. When my own desk becomes cluttered, it is a fact that I can find whatever I need in the mess. Yet, when I take the time to straighten up and put everything where it belongs, I can feel the stress leaving my body. I didn't even realize that I was holding that stress. It was there. As I let out the sigh of relief and pride, I could feel stress leaving my body.
Just doing little things for ourselves helps us feel special. Such as taking the time to make a great dinner (even if it is takeout), setting the table just for ourselves. Why? Because we can and should.
Noticing beauty and making beauty in some unexpected places are simple ways to help nurture our souls. In ourselves, it can be all about how we carry ourselves. Stand straight and tall with your hearts open, our necks elongated, as if we are growing taller. It can help inspire us and make us feel capable of taking on the world. (even if it is just our little part of the world)!
Indeed, our brains are always in the business of predicting patterns; usually fear is involved. When we see what we expect to see, all is well with the world. Chaos will be thrown into the picture when unpredictability comes into play. In all that is happening in our country and world, there seems to be a lot of chaos. We all need to find ways to help calm the chaos.
My way is to not watch the news. I get what I need by scanning headlines. I have a friend who started watching horror movies just to avoid the news. We all can find our own way to adjust to the chaos. Let me add to this that we should not judge others in their attempts to find their own calmness.
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