With the ever-increasing chaotic and loud world that we live in it takes awareness to understand that it’s not a drink or a pill that we need, but some time away from the daily grind.  Most of us, myself included are so used to being plugged into all of our devices that as we catch up on the newest calamity we lose something of ourselves. We forget how taking all this bad news into ourselves is debilitating and consistently pulls us out of a moment and into our heads.

While many are breathing,  meditating and trying to get eight solid hours of sleep which helps to negotiate the daily minefield and keep our systems in a balanced state, sometimes we need a change of place to recharge.  The need for escape is a relevant drive and one we should be listening to before we are swamped and overwhelmed.

Understandably, most cannot drop everything and go for a walk on the beach while others are dependent on us.  How we care for others is how we care for ourselves in keeping our own spirits charged.  I’ve found that working in my garden, and marveling at the variety of birds that come for a drink in our fountain as I’m pulling weeds or cutting back a bush helps to calm me.  It’s important to know where you can go for solitude, and then plan the week to spend some time there.

On most Sunday’s I can be found exploring the vast grounds at Huntington Gardens in Pasadena.  The Japanese have a name for walking in nature, its called ” Shinrin-yoku or forest bath.  This happens easily in the variety of plants and trees that are there.  This escape is just one of many of the to-go places that I have found for myself.  The experience that I have there gives me reason enough to work hard during the week knowing I have a place to go to be alone in nature,.

John Shinavier, MA, CYT, Life Coach