So this could be a really broad question, but I want to know specifically, how do you find peace at any given moment? You're having a mediocre day, maybe even a lousy day. You really want to get out of the funk and you want to feel better and calmer, right then and there. What do you do to find that serenity?
One thing that works really well for me is to sit down in a quiet spot, close my eyes, and listen to one of my favorite soul-lifting pieces of music. Ave Verum Corpus by Mozart is a piece I play myself (Liszt arranged it for the piano) but the version for choir that was composed by Mozart is the one I've been listening to and really connecting with lately. It's a sacred piece so it feels spiritually renewing to me, and of all of the composers I love so very much, I think Mozart's music is the most heavenly (Beethoven's too). I let it wash over me and it's like praying without the words.
So, your turn--how do you find peace? By calling a girlfriend? Sweating it out on a treadmill? Journaling or crafting? Taking a bath? (I fully approve of that one.) I'd love to know.
Ah, I know what you mean about Mozart and Beethoven. Nothing can replace classical music! :) I usually go to music, as well. The music of Misty Edwards usually brings my heart to a place of peace and focus with Christ. But anything music-related brings me to a happy place. Ah, essential oils, too! I like putting Lavender and Frankincense on my neck and wrists and temples to bring calm and serenity.
ReplyDeleteWalking and breathing in fresh air and enjoying nature is my first thought. Or, calling my mom. Whenever I think to open the Bible up I feel better too. Working on Bach is helpful but sometimes listening to music is too emotionally charged for me. Trying to limit my sugar intake also helps.
ReplyDeleteEssential oils are so wonderful. I take lavender baths and spray it on my pillow and it's so calming!
ReplyDeleteI do all of these things too! Walks, talking to my mom, reading the Bible. Playing Bach is helpful for me too, it's something about the structure and organization that makes me feel calm. Thanks for sharing Sarah :)
ReplyDeleteIt depends on where I am and what is happening, but I can usually count on having my water bottle close by. I stop, sit, and sip water while I contemplate why I'm feeling anxious. I'm a counselor by profession, so I like to dig down to the very tip of the root. What is the fear? What is the lie I may be believing? Then I pray about it and ask for guidance about the Truth that I need to cling to in that moment. When I take the time to do that, it relieves me not just for the moment, but it ends up lasting for days. It can help get me back to peace more quickly if the fear creeps up again because I already know what I need to choose to focus on. Anyway, I hope that you are finding peace despite the stress of moving! :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, thank you for sharing that most magnificent piece! Choral music is such a powerful tool for finding peace too. I love listening to it in the early morning or before bed. It seems to set my heart in the right place. I'd love to hear more of your favorites!
ReplyDeleteThis is the most wonderful comment, Kelly. I'm going to try this same thing myself. I love that question, "What is the lie I may be believing?" Because it's so true, we unknowingly tell ourselves lies all the time and it takes energy and focus to zero in on that and replace the lies with truth. This is really beautiful and wise. Thanks for sharing it. :)
ReplyDeleteIsn't that piece incredible? If you liked that, here's another one for you. It makes me tear up every time. It's a Renaissance piece and I think it's just sublime.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6RgaPTo4hE