Rejuvenation Part 2
November 2, 2024
Rejuvenation Part 2
One of the quickest ways I know to rejuvenate is to go somewhere away from our usual demands and stressors. It may be true "There's no place like home,” but that's true about home's negative aspects too. There is no place like home.
At home, we:
Must constantly fix the leaky roof, the broken pipe, and the peeling wall.
Must meet the demands of others who always count on us. And if we live alone, we must face our singular existence and reach out to others for dear life.
Must put our best foot forward to our neighbors and friends, even when we'd rather be left alone. Keeping up appearances is the order of the day.
Must feed our creativity, but that's hard to do when the phone rings, the doorbell chimes, and the across-the-fence neighbor wants to chat.
Must attend to our obligations that take us out into the world. We must buy groceries, pay bills, service the car, attend meetings and events, and deal with repairs.
Must be loyal to our relationships. After all, they are the folks we count on. When they need a favor, we must be there for them.
Must attend to those I have committed to watch over. Without my protection, what would happen to them… including the pets and plants?
At home, everything is the same. I go through the motions. The day is gone before I know it, and I have grown to the couch, exhausted.
Must consciously be present because I am so entrenched in sameness that I check out.
Any place, even Disney World, can get old. That's why we need a break from routine if we can take it. Our break doesn't have to be an expensive cruise or a pricey weekend in the mountains or beach. We do not have to travel long distances to be rejuvenated.
A helpful skill when we are exhausted from being in our perpetual routine is to be conscious of the doldrums, cabin fever, or tinges of anxiety or depression. Then, we ask ourselves, "Are things getting to me?" Then we think about our schedule and the stress we place on ourselves every day.
Becoming conscious of our needs and the things that meet those needs is essential for self-care and self-compassion. These "selfies" are vital to our well-being and health. Leaving home is sometimes the best treatment for what ails us. So, go on a day trip, spend a weekend with a friend, or have some time alone on a retreat to a camp or monastery. You may want to read up on the wondrous sites around your area and drive to them.
The smallest act of using different coffee cup in a different place is a simple but effective reminder of the variety of pleasures and interests we take. These animate and inspire us. They highlight the fact that we have choices, and these can be used to make our lives more colorful and interesting. We find that new things pique our curiosity, and we say, "Ah, there you are, Bliss; I wondered where you were. I had to leave home for a while to find you; I am bringing you back with me."
Spiritual practice: Put a sticker on your bathroom mirror that says," If I am feeling tired or low today, go somewhere beautiful, if only for an hour; if only in your mind. I'll be glad."
Self-inquiry: Why do you get exhausted at home even without expending physical energy?
Dear God,
For the spectacular beauty of rich experiences, and different environs, I am grateful. They remind me I am part of that beauty. They rejuvenate me because I realize my soul is alive and well! Amen
