Taking it easy
Aurorans Jeff and Mimi organized a May Day celebration, complete with a maypole hand made by Nathaniel.
Working hard to find ways to relax
While I was sitting in a cafe with a friend, she mentioned the great stress she had been experiencing. In sympathy, I suggested we stop talking and just breathe for a few minutes. I think she agreed, but it did not last long, as we had interesting things to discuss.
I wondered later at the immediacy of my response. Then I began to realize how many ways I have found—without really looking—to difuse and release the anxiety and dispair that creeps into everyday life.
Yes, breathing is a good first response. Spiritual teachers recommend it, and science agrees. Take a deep breath, hold it, then exhale slowly. My rhythm is inhale four seconds, hold five seconds, exhale 10 seconds. This activates the vagus nerve, the longest nerve in the human body. Here’s how Wikipedia explains it:
As a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system, the vagus nerve helps regulate essential involuntary functions like heart rate, breathing, and digestion. By controlling these processes, the vagus nerve contributes to the body’s “rest and digest” response, helping to calm the body after stress, lower heart rate, improve digestion, and maintain homeostasis.
But there is no need to become a yogi to find relief from stress. The other day I asked my husband about his preferred ways to relax. The answers were playing with the cat and watching TV football. I didn’t need to ask the cat; I know her favorite pastime is napping on a sunny spot.
Some helpful practices
Here are some other ways I manage to relax, some more productive than others:
Meditate. I sit for 30 minutes each morning, trying to be mindful of my surroundings. A cat on the lap is helpful.
Take a really hot bath.
Stretch, as in Yoga.
Walk. I’m fortunate to live near a state park, but a stroll though the neighborhood also works; even a walk in the supermarket.
Cook creatively—for instance, chop vegetables and meat to make a soup. Some people bake for the same reason.
Write. While I no longer make a living at it, I still love the challenge of putting words together, and the satisfaction of having the sound and rhythm unite with meaning I wanted to share.
Read—a good novel or poetry, not the news! That might include my Tarot cards, not necessarily looking for a prediction, but to examine and appreciate the artfully rendered symbols on each card.
Draw or paint. Glass jars, canvas, paper, or even furniture. It’s the line, the stroke, and the color that take me away from mundane concerns.
Solve a Sudoku puzzle.
I should note that I’m an introvert, meaning I need a certain amount of silence and solitude to recalibrate. Other people, extroverts, need company and interaction to reset their own balance. I recall, and I’m sure you do, the years of Covid-enforced isolation. Some people I know felt truly lonely and depressed, while others, like me, enjoyed the silent streets and skies and staying home.
I’d love to hear your story: How do you relax? <>
News from Colorado Arts Concierge
By Laura Embleton
From milestone celebrations to hosting out-of-town visitors, Colorado Arts Concierge is your gateway to the best of the West. Our end-to-end planning includes curated fine dining, luxury accommodations, and local tours, ensuring your special day is as effortless as it is inspiring.
Listed below are some upcoming events. We offer a 10% discount for a bundle of two or more single-date events. For more details, contact me at Laura@coloradoartsconcierge.com.
June 7: Brunch at Dazzle restaurant
June 28: My Fair Lady by Lakewood Cultural Arts
July 18-19 Weekend with the Central City Opera
July 23-25 Creede Repertory Theater
August 8: Matilda at Candle Light Dinner Theater
My friend Sally received these flowers from her sons on Mother’s Day, and wanted me to share them with all of you.