Tag: tranquility

Self-Care is Crucial for Caregivers

I momentarily forgot that self-care is crucial for caregivers. I’m a caregiver to both my husband and my mother. Certainly, it is easy to get caught up in the needs of others, forgoing your own.

A Definition of Self-Care

One definition is any activity that nurtures and refuels you at a deep level. There are many areas of our lives where we can practice self-care. Often we think first of our physical body. Similarly you can practice self-care in other areas; your emotional and mental state, your relationship with yourself, relationships with others, spiritual beliefs and even work.

Some Examples of Self-Care

  • Getting enough quality sleep
  • Daily time outdoors
  • Massage
  • Crying
  • Laughter
  • Free Writing
  • Forgiveness
  • Nature Walks
  • Meditation and Prayer
  • Engaging the senses
  • Doing something important to you
  • Cooking
  • Goal Setting
  • Boundary Setting
  • Learning New Skills
  • Time with friends
  • Conversations
  • Time with children

Signs That I Needed More Self-Care

I wear a Fitbit, which tracks my sleep patterns and my resting heart rate. Most noteworthy was the dramatic increase in my resting heart rate from 67 to 74 in just eight days. While the resting heart rate was soaring, my quality of sleep rating plummeted to the 60’s.

My Method of Self-Care

It had been months since I had walked the paths of my favorite public garden Bok Tower Gardens . On the morning of that eight day of increased resting heart rate, I told my husband I was going to spend time walking before I performed errands for him and my mom.

I was benefiting multiple areas of my life in this one act of self-care. My physical body was experiencing time outdoors. Nature walks are a form of meditation for me, boosting my spiritual care. By engaging my senses during the walk, I lifted my relationship with myself. Finally, I had a chance encounter with a friend along the path and enjoyed a lovely conversation, adding the self-care of relationships with others.

Measurable Positive Results

In the five days since I went for my self-care walk, my resting heart rate dropped each day and is now at 68. My sleep score for the same five days now has an average of 80. I feel rested, calm, and was able to meet a writing deadline in addition to this blog.

A Challenge for You

Whether you take care of your family, your pets, or just yourself,  self-care is crucial. I challenge you to find at least one way you can do something just for you, something that makes you smile, that makes your heart sing. Life is short. Take care of yourself. Love yourself.

Love,
Dawn

Access Hope in an Atmosphere of Fear

This week has most of us reeling in a place of fear and hopelessness. How do I access hope in an atmosphere of fear?

Add Normalcy with Caution

I look for opportunities to continue with activities that bring me peace. If you read my posts, you know I love Bok Tower Gardens. The atmosphere there is quiet, contemplative and serene. This weekend I’ll pack a snack, add my wipes, fill my water bottle and explore the trails.

In the gardens, I’ll engage all my senses to see the beauty of flowers, hear the music of the carillon and birds, catch the sweet scent of yellow jessamine and citrus blooms, feel the hardness of the cardboard cycad and the softness of the Spanish moss. By surrounding myself with the beauty of nature, my sense of calm and hope will be restored.

Find Your Hope

Do you know what brings you a sense of calmness? I invite you to explore connecting with your heart to find the answer.

Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Sit upright in a comfortable position, feet flat on the floor. Place your left hand over your heart, close your eyes and take a slow, calm breath in through your nose. Exhale in the same slow manner through relaxed lips. Repeat three times.

Think about the last time you felt the most serenity.

Add Some Calmness to Your Day

What can you do right now that will bring you a similar sense of calm?

For some it is as simple as taking a warm bath, reading a book, taking a nap, listening to music, stroking the fur of their pet, or sitting outside. What gives you a sense of calmness? How can you do that right now?

I wish you calmness everyday, multiple times this coming week. It’s the most important step you can take to access hope in an atmosphere of fear.

With love,
Dawn

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Enjoying the Gift of Tranquility

Enjoying the gifts of tranquility by living in the moment is sometimes easier than others.

I planned my day thinking about enjoying the gift of tranquility. Formally turning in my volunteer materials at Bok Tower Gardens was my Monday declutter priority.

As I pulled into their parking lot, I thought, “Why not enjoy a nice lunch first, then a walk in the garden before handing over my notebooks and name tag.”

A Place Created for Tranquility

Approaching the visitor center, I stopped to read the Edward W. Bok quote, “Make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.” I breathed out a calming sigh.

Then I saw evidence that a bus load of active seniors was eminent. My focus changed. Quickly, I walked to the Blue Palmetto Cafe and placed my order. As I made my way toward my favorite table for two by the window,  I saw the volunteer leading the first walking tour along the ‘river of stone’, the participants clearly engaged in a story about Spanish moss. This was my primary volunteer job. I felt both sadness and relief to see someone else performing this service.

My sense of tranquility, looking out onto the pollinator garden, intensified during my meal. Normally, I quickly finished my two-piece sandwich wrap and wolfed down the bag of chips. However, my behavior has slowly changed. Last lunch here, I saved the bag of chips for over a week in my car.

Today, I started feeling full before even finishing the first half of the sandwich. In addition to tranquility, I felt a sense of accomplishment as I walked to the cashier for a takeaway box. For convenience, I returned to my car with my half-wrap and bag of chips. By the time I again reached the cafe area, the active seniors had finished lunch and  gathered for their special walking tour.

My Frame of Mind Had Changed

My feeling during this visit to the gardens was like any other member or guest who enjoyed the beauty and tranquility. I took the path less traveled toward a bird blind, “Window by the Pond”. I hadn’t ventured there during the three years I’ve been a member. Volunteering, I was too busy leading tours.

As I pulled open the heavy door, all my senses heightened. I stopped just inside the entrance, closed my eyes and breathed in the scent of the rough hewn benches and the earth beneath my feet. I heard the bird sounds from the trees above the roof of the blind before gently opening my eyes.

Water spread out before me, the surface reflected the blue sky and puffy white clouds. I slowly walked toward the large glass window and scanned the water’s edge for signs of nature. Next I stepped closer to the edge of the glass. My fingers ran across the words on the smooth surface of the plaque, which dedicated the structure as a place to view the natural Florida residents.

A Shared Moment

When I exited the blind, a male northern cardinal was perched on the back of a bench, transfixed on the squirrels enjoying the birdseed spilled beneath the feeder suspended from a large tree. I stopped in my tracks. Warning a visiting couple just entering the area across from me, I mouthed “Bird” and tilted my head toward the edge of the clearing. They had seen the squirrels, and now saw the bright red cardinal. We stood still,  a moment shared by strangers. Eventually we needed to move on. The couple stepped toward the pond, I moved past the squirrels and the cardinal flew back into the safety of the native wild coffee shrubs.

My Tranquility Continues

I made my way to the wetland, always eager to see the carnivorous pitcher plants. There are at least three different types; one tall and lanky, another short and squat, and finally a yellow hue marked the third.

Wanting to wander a bit more, I let my heart lead me along the mulch trails by the edge of the older garden plantings. There I saw the beginnings of the azalea display. Once again I closed my eyes. A slow, deep inhale and the faint scent of flowers filled me as I stood beneath the filtered shade of 90-yr-old live oak trees.

My uplifted mood continued as I walked back toward my car, my mind at rest. As I opened the door, I remembered to stretch my legs, loosening the muscles. Slowly, I eased onto the driver’s seat. Before turning the key, I took a moment in gratitude.

“Thank you for showing me the wonder of nature and slowing my mind toward enjoying the gift of tranquility,” I whisper.

Continuing my day, I felt the stress of others tone down a notch as they reacted to my calmness.

That’s the best part of enjoying the gift of tranquility, sharing it.

~ Dawn