365 Vacations a Year

Essential Feng Shui observes that most people in western cultures pursue lifestyles that are overly active. Though collectively encouraged, incessant ‘doing’ tips the balance of our health and happiness. Taking the time each day to be becomes our daily vacation. Quietude nurtures the heart and provides us with the space to reflect, dream, and soak up the richness of our inner world. Rest and the fine art of being opens us up to receive and explore sparks of genius that live like polished gemstones beneath the busy surface of life. We dive in and are washed clean. Refreshed, we re-enter the world with our pockets full of deep insights. These insights weave their way into our daily activities and we experience being in sync with the transformational flow of a balanced life.

Here are 2 of my recent journal musings that touch upon this:

“I find I’m still adjusting to seeing rest as equal to activity. I’ve been educated to consider quiet pastimes ‘a waste of time’ unless I can make them into work rather than restful experiences. Meditation, sleep, or daydreaming over a cup of tea must be productive to be valuable. I have so little experience with just Being – I have been a Human Doing rather than a Human Being!”

“Incrementally I explore the Land of Being – a softly inclusive place of quiet observations… When I am able to settle into observing and simply BE, the world transcends into a work of art, an ever-changing confluence of textures and light that expresses the miraculous creativity of Nature and the Cosmos. Such quiet observing suspends my exhausting habit of do-do-doing and allows me to experience the true Being-ness of life.”

 

To bring more being into your life, consider the following suggestions:

Rather than driving to work, use public transportation to increase your time to daydream, read, or journal.

Be generous with scheduling your time to eliminate hurrying. A leisurely pace allows you to stay present and relaxed throughout your day.

Watch less or no news or violent programming, especially before retiring for the night. Instead, choose a relaxing pastime that you really enjoy.

Give yourself five minutes or more every morning to linger in bed, meditate, remember your dreams, and count your blessings. Consider spending one morning a week in bed – or going to bed early in the evening – with or without company.

Create a quiet place to enjoy your meals. When possible, eat outdoors or with a view of the outdoors. Refrain from eating in front of the television on a regular basis.

Organize spaces such as your clothes closet, bathroom, and kitchen so that you can find what you need with quiet ease. Any area that irritates, confuses, or overwhelms you will push you out of balance.

Elements such as serene music, beautiful lighting, or favorite aromas can make any atmosphere more peaceful.

Model a balanced lifestyle for your children. Spend time together reading in a comfy chair, being in Nature, snuggling in bed, and sharing meals around the table away from phones and televisions.

Deepen your spiritual connection in a way that is especially meaningful to you. Establish a relationship with the Unseen levels of life that is particularly soothing to you and connect in whenever you feel anxious or upset in any way. Make this a top priority!

 

To balance your lifestyle with more doing, there is no end to the possibilities offered in our culture. Here are some suggestions:

Make a list of what you’d love to do and haven’t done yet and find where these activities are being offered in your community. Then GO and do them!

Volunteer at a hospital, shelter, daycare center, library, or other group that could use your help.

Help a busy neighbor with activities such as child or pet care, shopping, or gardening.

Exercise everyday, in any way that is appropriate for your body.

Invite friends and neighbors over for tea and conversation.

Watch television less. Pursue your passions more.

If you don’t drive, in addition to public transportation, consider contacting local organizations that provide transportation or carpooling with a friend or neighbor.