Serenity has already trickled in over at my house! Over the weekend we took some time for a family hike and spent an entire afternoon hiking in the woods, We watched lady bugs, chased lizards and enjoyed the beauty of several waterfalls. It was terrific!. Once again I got to see how smart my little girl is regarding the expression of these virtues. My Sweetie and I had the idea that we wold complete a specific loop trail but Jessie had completely different ideas. She would sit, mid trail and often in view of nothing particularly interesting (Clearly MY Perception only!) and be entirely delighted counting rocks and looking at sticks. She was interested in going off trail and we happened into several fabulous vistas both Rob and I would have missed if we were allowed to keep our loop trail agenda. To be fair it wasn't as if you could go wrong anywhere in this state park. Northern California is chocked full of inspiring and serene vistas capable of quieting even the most frenetic of preschoolers and their parents.
This week's "Bliss Initiatives," are color coded in purple for quick identification. They are specific things that you too can try, if you want to play along with me. However, because as Earl Nightingale says, "you become what you think about," even if you only follow along, and never take on any of the bliss initiatives, I expect some positive results. I will be exploring and encouraging SERENITY this way:
- Pause 1-2-3 experiment. I am revisiting this idea from my first serenity week. This week when I feel myself start to react to something I am going to take a pause and count to three. Jessie can only benefit from having a mommy who can do this as a habit! A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. - Proverbs 15:1(NIV) How many times a day do I react before pausing? I have no idea, but if I can stop even a few I am certain I can foster a bit more serenity in the process!
- Serenity Study - I will take time to look for serene images. Finding and having an arsenal of images that encourage me to breath deeply will definitely make serenity a bit more attainable. I found this photo my first time out and every time I look at it I feel calm over take me. Not sure why this image is so powerful for me but I just may need to purchase a copy this time out. I just love it!
Island by Michael Dreese
- Meditative Study - Last Serenity week I had the lofty ambition of adding some type of meditative practice to my routine. I would love to put it on here as a bliss initiative with the expectation of actually doing it but I know myself better then that and I don't want to make myself wrong. Wow that IS progress already! Instead of forcing a practice I will research meditative practices, hoping only that the "study" provides some osmosis of solitude. I will also read "Understanding Serenity" by Jane Nelsen (also author of Positive Discipline, and has a veryinformative parenting site here). (I started this book my first serenity week but have not finished it. This is the week! ) Look for a review later in the week.
- Serenity field trip. I will take time this week, on at least two occasions to spend some time in nature. Little J and I can walk through a park or we can take another little hike together as a family. Nature is serenity's greatest teacher and advocate, I plan to learn from her.
Next Post: At inspiring international post from Heather over Heckety at Home.
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That image is gorgeous, and it does day "serenity." Yes, counting to three would be a great habit to cultivate. I have a hard time remembering, though.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really great post. In my opinion, serenity just might be the toughest of the virtues to really grab a hold of...but these bliss initiatives are really great starting points! Thanks for sharing those!
ReplyDeleteActually, it reminds me of one of my favorite quotes that I blogged about a while back..."Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence". I just love this one and it always reminds me to take some time out of my busy schedule and make room for some *serenity*
I could use some serious serenity right now! Pause 1-2-3 is great. I use something similar called STAR - Stop, Think, Act Right. I use it on myself and have my 8 year old use it too - which of course helps me stay serene with her!
ReplyDeleteThat photo is wonderful- I can see why its so meaningful to you. Your hike sounds great too- nothing like the great outdoors for putting one's life into perspective! or at least diluting the children's roars! Your J sounds like she has her perspectives right! I think I learned a LOT through looking through my little peoples' eyes when they were knee high, even just spending an hour with them on the floor doing their things was good.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea for a blog! We can definitely use more bliss and serenity in our lives. At least, I know I can. And I've been working on finding it. Perhaps I should spend a little time up north, since all we have in Southern Cali is traffic and buildings.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful...after the day I've had today, I could use a little serenity. I think I will enjoy this week. :)
ReplyDelete