Relieve Stress: Inner Peace for the Soul

One of my favorite things to do is walk in the local park. This is a great way to escape the worries of the day. This is MY time. I feel free from everyone that nags at me, free from telephones (I leave my cell in my pocket for safety but do not answer it), bills and kids. Once I get the routine going when Spring rolls around, everyone accepts it and knows I'm off to go for my walk. I drive to the local park because its so pretty there. There is a stream along side a paved path for walking surrounded by tall oak trees for shade in the summer. Some days I take the dog, but find it much more relaxing not to have to wait for a "pee" stop or a 3 minute sniff. I tend to see the same people each day. Obviously they have found their peace there too. It's not just a walk. It's more spiritual, I feel like I am in Gods world, surrounded by his beauty he gave each and every one of us.

I walk slow at first taking in all the sights. It seems new, vivid wildflowers pop up over night. Spring brings gorgeous blue belles along the entire path of my journey. Luxurious green moss carpets the sides of the path with a few daffodils scattered haphazardly by a little thief squirrel who nabbed them from a home nearby. A red tailed hawk has her nest high above, chipmunks rustle in the leaves and hide under rocks when I invade their territory. Just over the bank is a small shallow stream. It is lined with a slate -like rock. Like an inviting platform that attracts children to cool their feet in the summer heat. On a lucky day, I see a duck and his mate paddling slowly in harmonious bliss. Other folks who walk their dogs let them run and cool off in the stream.

These things all get my full attention. Such peace flows through me as I walk. A little prayer to God thanking him for his gracious world and the health of my family. I walk a bit faster toward the half mile mark. Get the heart pumping is great for the body. As I pass others, they are very pleasant. Unlike people I meet at stores who don't even smile.

I find this is the best medicine for me. I don't need a friend, I don't need to wear designer clothes. Just go, be myself and be by myself. Learn to love me, care about me and find inner peace. I leave there feeling like a new person.

You, too, can start a little stress relief for yourself. Think of something that will bring you a sense of peace. It could even be a bath. Make yourself do it everyday. Start noticing the little things. Because it's important for your soul to be happy. It needs attention from you. It cannot be ignored. Please the soul and the soul will reciprocate with peace.