Counter the Impact of Life’s Many Demands With Intentional, Restorative Practices
A life of balance looks different for everyone. For some, completing a hard workout and eating a nourishing meal may be soothing and restorative.
For others, updating a personal budget and meeting up with friends for a night of enriching conversation might be just what the doctor ordered. In this series, we celebrate the many ways through which we can come to centeredness by spotlighting women who are intentional about cultivating joy and balance through their own unique practices.
Belly Dancing
I try to dedicate time each week to belly dance. Belly dancing allows me to reconnect with my body, center my mind, and work up a sweat! The belly dancing instructors I’ve had the privilege to learn from over the years have taught me to love my body no matter what industry standards for beauty are. I practice belly dancing at Movement Arts Collective in Red Bank. They are a body-positive belly dance studio where I always feel welcomed and loved.
Building Models
Building LEGO sets allows me to disconnect from my day. Watching the set take shape is exciting. Instead of ruminating over work projects, I give my full attention to the LEGO set to ensure I don’t miss a step. I come away from each new build with a clear mind and a sense of accomplishment. Someone interested in building a LEGO set should start with a small set (500 pieces or less). Starting too big could increase stress by contributing to the feeling that tasks are left unfinished.
Creating Space
I practice mindfulness daily by creating space. Often, we feel the need to respond quickly to emails or respond right away in conversation. There is an urgency in everyday life that only increases stress. Creating space allows me to pause between a stimulus and my response, leaving time to breathe and reflect before proceeding. I’ve noticed that the better I get at creating space, the better my responses and decisions have become. Someone interested in creating space could start by counting to 10 before giving a response in any situation.
