Tested And Proven................

"Try pausing right before or after undertaking a new action, even something as simple like putting a key in a lock to open a door. Such pauses take a brief moment, yet they have the effect of decompressing time & centering you."  ~ Br. Steindl-Rast

Read the above quote in my email last week and decided to give it a try. The "yeah right?" side of my brain was a tad skeptical, but I figured "what do I have to lose?" Well, probably an hour all toll at the end of the day if I was stopping with each new action...but I gave it a try just the same.

The results, for me, were actually positive. I did in fact make the conscious effort to take a breath before a new action. Hand on the dial of the washing machine...pause...close my eyes...take a breath...and then a thought of peacefulness. The gentle pause felt calming & I found that they accumulated over the day. I could feel the tightness in my neck and shoulders slowly easing.

Give it a try and feel the benefits of breaking the racing feeling that can so easily happen, as we dash from one thing to the next.

It then occurred to me that the key in the lock example is actually pretty symbolic, because a door has been opened by consciously pausing & decompressing time. It can take us to new places. Where will it take you?

Timely Post Of Happier At Home......

While contemplating which area I would tackle for my final installment on Happier At Home, I tried to find something that brings me frustration in my home.

Thankfully the list is short. Exploring family and possessions in my two previous posts has yielded a bit more of a harmonious atmosphere...also I think my perception has shifted, providing similar results too. It is important to note that the harmony and more moments of happiness are certainly not constant...nor would I want them to be, because my thought is: the bumpy times make the alternative of smooth and happy all the more appreciated in contrast. 

Today the challenge I share is:

TIME: when I really stop and think about it, time holds such a pivotal piece of this journey of discovering more happiness at home. Needing time to master the changes/additions I have put in place as a result of this journey, is key. I need to make the time to accomplish the tasks that seem to bring those happier moments.

Secondly, a huge wake up call is, being aware of how I spend my time. So much hinges on that very concept!  For example when I get lost on the computer, that then takes time away from "stuff" that needs to get done (clean & organized does bring me happiness) and fun activities I could be doing instead. But one has to ask "doesn't being on the computer bring me happiness in it's own right?" Perhaps there's happiness and then there's mindless fun and happiness. I'll have to explore that  further at some point.

Back to my time...while being more conscious of this precious gift recently, I did see how I could ease some of the stresses by using my time more thoughtfully. I found myself getting ready for work a bit earlier so not to be rushed, lingered at the dinner table longer to facilitate family conversation, put errands aside to call a friend and stop by for a visit. Perhaps one of the things that really helped was, at various moments stopping and asking myself  "is this really how I choose to spend my time right now?" and then making adjustments if my answer was no.  Granted a bit tricky when at work or doing a "must do", but that's when I can go to my "happy place" and dream for just a bit.

I find when I think of time as a gift, I, use it more wisely...hold on to it dearly...and consider it an avenue to make a difference in both my Life and the Lives of others.

                              

Taking this journey to be Happier At Home has been a fulfilling one, one that I'm so glad I took....and will continue to take. Gretchen Rubin's book served as a reminder and a wake up call to the abilities we have in our lives, and the important role we Moms play in our homes.

I can truly say...."I am happier at Holme!"