Sometimes life really does suck. The world often feels like it’s dying around us, and society is breaking down into a mean spirited free-for-all crapfest. We face stress and pressure from all aspects of our life. No matter how much you love your job or your kids, the responsibilities of “Adulting” can wear down your resolve. Bills, deadlines, family obligations, bills, the lawn, and now the car just broke down; meanwhile hurricanes are brewing, other countries are testing new nuclear weapons and wait we might have another recession!
Have you searched for relieving stress? I know you have, I do it all the time. Just now when I google reliving stress the first three links are “16 simple ways to reduce stress, “10 Relaxation Techniques”, and “17 Highly Effective Stress relievers.” There are Apps too; I’ve seen at least three. Calm is one that plays happy nature sounds and guides you through quick meditation. One of our team here highly recommends watching Bob Ross videos. Whichever method you chose; the videos, the lists, or the meditation apps promise one underlying result, to bring your mind into a state of inner peace.
what is it we seek?
The dictionary definition of Inner peace is “A deliberate state of calm despite the presence of stressors”. Because we want to make this sound more biological and less metaphysical, Wikipedia tells me that when we are “at peace” our body and mind seek an attitude of homeostasis, or a dynamic state of equilibrium within the chemical and physical conditions of our body. When we feel stressed, cortisol and other hormones, our body’s chemicals, are released in excess and we fall out of our state of equilibrium.
The term homeostasis was originally used to refer to brain function in 1926, but it’s use as a general term for internal states like heat regulation and glucose control has become commonplace since. In the 70’s the environmental movement adopted the term to describe the totality of ecosystems, it was incorporated into the Gaia hypotheses. The theory proposes the Earth as a whole is an organism that seeks to maintain an optimal environment. Terms like inner-peace and mindfulness have become associated with the hippie counter culture era of the of the early environmentalism movement, but there is a growing body of scientific research that suggests there is some validity to the search for our own personal Zen.
hug a tree…no really
A University of Michigan study suggested 20 to 30 minutes of exposure to nature a week can significantly reduce stress hormones. The authors say “Nature” doesn’t have to be the middle of a national park, either. You could get your “nature pill” just from eating your lunch outside while avoiding your phone. Psychologist Robert Puff calls it simply being in nature. Puff goes further to say nature doesn’t have to be someplace exotic. A house plant can be nature if we are engaged in observing the plant.
If we take the time to really look at the patterns in the sky, notice the varied colors of the leaves, and listen for the different sounds of the birds, we can immerse ourselves in a state of inner peace. . These are exactly the kinds of activities we advocate for with this blog. Go out and really appreciate nature- you may find inner peace.
We’re going to begin featuring a series of photo blogs labeled “Travels with tiny Buddha”. There you will find a photo essay, more or less, of peaceful mini Buddhas in every day situations. These little Buddhas are utterly adorable. Hopefully, for a few seconds maybe they can put a smile on your face, like they do with us. A simple smile can reduce stress too.
the take-home
Stop and smell the roses…or look at the clouds, or listen to the birds. When you find yourself stressed, take a minute to really soak in the nature around you. I impart this advice to myself, too. There are times my stress level can hover around DEFCON-2. It’s awfully convenient when a chipmunk decides to sit outside my window and do something cute.
