Good morning, Team!  It’s Friday!

Sharpen the Saw series, #3

When someone refers to peace, what does it make you think of?

•Quiet?

•Tranquility?

•Calm?

•Chill?

•Zen?

Is there a certain time of the day where you find this peace?  Do you wake early and ground yourself in prayer or meditation?  Do you assume the downward dog position, drink green tea and nibble on yogurt?  Maybe you wait until evening and turn off all blue screens and read or talk to a friend or loved one.  Perhaps you do things throughout the day to manage your peacefulness.

I think many of us try to find daily peace by silencing the noise, if only for a brief respite, before the world bullies it’s way into our calendar.  Some of us have simply given way to the pressure and swing open the barn doors willingly and let the mayhem begin with a large mug of caffeine, an overdose of national news, a crappy commute and day after day in the pressure cooker hoping for a couple of weeks of vacation a year, just to breathe.  Simple math tells me 2 out of 52 is a small number and may likely not be enough.

Quality of life and success are relative and unique to each of us.

-Maybe peace isn’t part of your equation.

-Maybe you prefer to be busy every waking moment.

-Maybe you need no rest or time to think.

OR

-Maybe no one dare suggest it to you…and you haven’t slowed down enough to realize how badly you need it.

A troubled heart, wearied mind and crushed soul could all use restoration through peace.  Here are a few suggestions:

*The disconnect doesn’t have to be dramatic, it could start with a simple breathing exercise.

Sit in a dark, quiet spot for a couple of minutes.  Close your eyes.  Inhale through your nose for three seconds and exhale through your mouth for six seconds.  Repeat two more times.

*Get a massage at regular intervals.  You’d be surprised how stress manifests it’s way into your muscles.

*Go for a brisk walk or run.  When you focus on your physical surroundings and God’s beauty instead of the troubles swimming in your head, it brings peace.

*Maybe you pony up for a set of fancy headphones where you can slip them on and literally silence the noise.

Whatever you do and however you do it, make it a more regular part of your life.  Live longer, happier and show up better to the people around you.

Have a blessed weekend!