Lightening Up

I sometimes get caught up in seriousness. When something is not going well at home or work I can get stuck in thinking, reflecting, reading, trying to work through my emotions, communicating (maybe over-communicating), and sometimes I just need to lighten up. This was true when my kids were tiny and has continued to be true through each stage, up to and definitely including this current teen stage!

When I realize that I'm over-focusing on challenges, I try to:

• Create some open space. This starts with bringing my awareness into my own body and breath and feeling the space within myself. It can include simple things like going for a walk and agreeing not to talk about an issue for an evening. 
• Change location. If there's money in the budget to go out to dinner or away overnight, that's great for me. It can be just as nice to eat on the deck, have an inside our outside picnic, or spend a day at a museum or public garden.
• Try something new. Putting some of my attention into learning and exploring something opens a more creative and flowing approach to everything going on. I'm thinking of dance classes right now! Drawing, starting yoga classes, or making a new garden may be fun.
• Bring in beauty. Cutting a few flowers to put near my bed or in the living room, putting on fun and uplifting music, or creating a beautiful little grouping of stones can lighten me up.
• Focus on creating order in a constructive way. Turning my attention to cleaning out my closet or cupboards, reorganizing a room, or cleaning out the fridge can be a good way to redirect the energy that is otherwise trying to control things I can't control..
• Spend time with people. Inviting people over gives us the chance to pull together. We are on the same team and it's fun and refreshing to spend time with freinds.

What do you do when you need to lighten up?

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