8 Free Ways to Enjoy Life.

View from Rastaholm by Per Ola Wiberg..(PO...or Powi)

It’s so easy to overlook the wonders and joys that surround you every day. In the rush and hurry of getting through the day, we may overlook the simple pleasures. With all the products and advertising bombarding us, you may have forgotten some of the free and easy ways to enjoy the abundance that is all around you:

1. Look outside your window. Really look. Watch the emerald green leaves sway in the breeze under the golden rays of the sun. Watch as the fire-red cardinal flits and weaves among the tree branches, singing his happiness for all to hear. Smell the wet earthy freshness of the air after the rain. The earth is an enchanting place.
2. Taste your food. Savor the salty sweet buttery flavor of corn; delight in the melty gooiness of a cheese and pepperoni pizza. Let the creamy silken smoothness of pudding slide down your throat. Taste the tangy sweetness of the juicy navel orange. Pay attention to your food and you’ll enjoy it even more.
3. Discover History. From books to TV, the history of the world surrounds us. From the ancient pyramids in Giza to the glistening white expanses of the frozen Arctic, wonder and beauty are everywhere. Learning about the variety of life and culture on our planet is endlessly entertaining.
4. Rejoice in your mobility. From your able-bodied feet to the rolling wheels on your car, you are able to go virtually anywhere. From the beaches and mountains to the community pool and local library, recreation and diversion await around every corner.
5. Musical Madness. From the throbbing drumbeats of African and Native American drumming, to the rousing symphonies of the Beethoven and other classic composers, music is a release for mind and body. Whether dancing to your favorite hip-hop or pop tune or simply relaxing to the tranquil melodies of new age tunes, music is available any time of the day or night.
6. Spontaneous Fun. Surprise your spouse with a romantic candlelight dinner, take your kids for a romp at the local playground, sing in the shower, dance under the moonlight, watch the sunrise, and play flashlight tag in the dark. Be playful and open to trying new things. It will add more laughter to your day.
7. Stimulate your brain and mind. Do a jigsaw puzzle, start a card game and wager potato chips, M&Ms or whatever goodies you have in the house. Play charades or Pictionary for a boisterous, crazy night. Pull out an old favorite like Monopoly, Sorry, Yatzee, or Clue. Or try a classic children’s game you’ve never played before.
8. Create something beautiful. Draw a picture, grow a garden, play an instrument, write a love letter, make a photo scrapbook, or build a bench with some spare wood. Use your chipped china and pots to make a mosaic table, or those extra magazines and ribbon scraps to create a one-of-a-kind greeting card.

10 Great Ways to do Absolutely Nothing.

Float by aussiegall

Today was one of those days when I just couldn’t come up with a great, insightful article. I tried all my usual ideas to spark some creativity, but nothing happened. Then, during a few moments writing for my other blog “BrightDays,” I came across a great idea. Like my friend Peter Gibbons from Office Space, I thought it might be a fantastic time to write about. . .nothing at all.

Some people have absolutely no skill in doing nothing; they can’t handle the challenge. Others, like the friend mentioned above, get a little divine intervention and pick it up all too easily. I figure I fall somewhere in between, so this shouldn’t be that hard of an article to write.

So here are 10 ideas to help you chill-out, sit back and take a load off. I would say a little lesson in relaxation is good for body and mind. Let’s see if you agree.

1. Stop working. This is hard for some people. Without work they feel powerless and awkward. There is a cure for this – it’s called a vacation. If all your friends are also coworkers, you know you stand in this category.
2. Throw out the rules. Get rid of your to-do list, your never-ending chores, and say no to today’s social events. Dispose of the “have-to’s” and give yourself permission to enjoy the process. Take a deep breath and smile.
3. Sit down and get comfy. If you walk in your house and chores jump out at you from every area of your home, you may need step two. Find a soft, plump cushioned chair and plop yourself into it. Now stay there. If you need to, close your eyes to block out your surroundings to help you stay seated.
4. Let your mind wander. Many people don’t know that one secret to creativity and innovation is the ability to allow ourselves to relax enough to daydream. Many scientists experience breakthroughs using this method, and a number of inventors would be out of work without a little mind trip now and then.
5. Cut off communication. Another key to doing nothing is removing yourself from availability to those who would otherwise occupy your time. Turn off the cell phone and let voice mail pick up. Turn off the TV and throw your newspaper away so they don’t distract you from your leisure.
6. Take a nap. One of the best ways to quickly ensure total lack of movement is a good hearty nap. Watch a kindergartener, they can teach you the basics. Just find a snuggly spot, turn out the lights and let yourself unwind mentally and physically.
7. Cloud watch. A great way to slow down is to visit nature. When you lie back on the soft, velvety grass and watch passing clouds you can enjoy the feeling of tranquility and serenity from knowing you have absolutely nothing better to do. Enjoy.
8. Put your feet up. When you are ready to unwind, this simple idea can be a great starting point. The simple act of elevating your feet, tells your body and mind that you are now ready to loosen up. Plus it’s now harder for you to jump back into action.
9. Clear your mind. Sounds easy, but the trouble is, to have a clear mind, you must have zilch in it. Easier said than done. Settle in and see the plain black wall of emptiness. If thoughts rush in to fill the void, gently set them aside. Keep at it until you are free, floating in a sea of stillness.
10. Let go of . . .everything. Often we get caught up in the importance of our everyday lives, and we forget there is also value in simple letting go. By releasing our fears, worries, complaints, and concerns we are open and calm. We are ready for something new and even better to appear.

Why Winter is a Good Time to Slow Down.

Blue in Yellow by tlindenbaum

Well Christmas is over, with all of its lights, fanfare and celebration. One last party to go on New Year’s Eve. Then it’s back to the daily grind and our normal routine. It’s a great time to slow down your hectic pace and take some time for yourself. Winter is the ideal time of year to reflect on our current path. With the early nights, cloudy weather and chill in the air, it’s a perfect opportunity to relax in the warmth and security of your home while you evaluate your life.

Use this extra time indoors to do more inner reflection. Start a new activity like journaling, meditation, Yoga, or another stress-relieving activity. Eliminate any unnecessary commitments and take a “winter break.” Start slowly if you need to, by simply scheduling in a 2-hour weekly vacation. Take the time to do something just for you. Visit the local park for a quiet walk, read a leisurely book, or take a nap.

Slowing down from your busy life works best when you do it daily. Give yourself 15 minutes of quiet every day - even if you have to lock yourself in the bathroom to get it! Time alone is especially important for anyone who is overworked. You need that time to slow down your heartbeat and breathing, and calm your racing thoughts. Most people start to realize what an energy boost it is to do nothing for just 15 minutes a day. Those short few minutes help you feel rested and invigorated.

From there you can start looking for additional ways to add more downtime to your day. Look for opportunities when you’re restless. That’s a good sign you’d rather be doing something else. Delegate more chores to the kids, leave your work at the office, and cut down your Internet time. Freeing up even a half-hour a day can result in fantastic changes in your life.

With that half-hour you can simply relax. Listen to some soothing music, read a self-help book, take a short walk, learn acupressure for those headache hotspots, or simply write out a plan to tackle those tasks you’ve been putting off. Use the extra time to focus on yourself, to get organized and reconnect with your spirit. Your body and mind will thank you for it.