Yesterday, I spent part of my day in silent meditation, and the afternoon reading a book, which felt like a luxury that I am always putting off because I am “so busy”.  This day got me thinking about the transitions we face when relocating, and how much time is spent DOING things – packing, unpacking, closing and opening a bank account, legal matters, subscriptions, and so forth.  The, after the initial settling in period is over, we bustle about trying to find friends, activities, places, some way to fit in, and truly feel settled.  Then, when we’re finally settled, we run to all our activities, rush to meet our friends, and race to train stations and airports to visit other places.

It’s no wonder, then, that wherever we are, life may feel stressful, and time may seem a resource there is not enough of.  So, in the hopes of insipring those of you that feel this way, I was reminded today of how to both enjoy, and slow down, time.

Meditation practice, especially silent, allows the body, mind, and spirit to just BE.  Whether for a few minutes, or a few hours, this joyous process can remind you of how important it is to nurture yourself – body, mind, and soul.  Now, it may be frustrating at first, or perhaps, after a while, frustrating to just sit, but I find that it forces me to slow down.  I actually notice my body – what’s ok, what’s in pain, what hunger feels like as opposed to thinking I am hungry because it’s “lunchtime”.  I ventured out into the world, taking my silent practice with me.  I was among many people on the streets of New York, but spoke to no one.  In fact, I shied away from it, so as to prolong my bubble of silence.  I observed, I noticed, but I did not speak.  Time did not matter, activities did not matter, I was keenly aware of what my mind and body wanted, and simply followed.  Ambling along until my hunger forced me to respond.

Amazingly, what felt like an entire day, well-spent, long, and enjoyable, was only a few hours long.  And, when I returned home to prepare Cauliflower Soup (from scratch! yum!) I was amazed that the day was still young when I had finished.  I closed my eyes for a while and just breathed.  Then I opened them and read.  And by the end of this day, that felt many days long, it was still only 5pm!  Instead of feeling my normal “I haven’t finished all I need to, I haven’t done enough!” I had a sense of calm fulfillment at just being.  It didn’t matter what I did and did not do, my body was embracing my mind and thanking me for slowing down and noticing one another.

So, for anyone out there in need of a slower day, or even those of you who think you don’t, try to spend a few hours simply BEING, letting go of your to-do list, just breathe, and exist!

* For more ways to handle the personal changes that impact you after relocating, click here! *

Today is our final day in the Culture Transition Tip Tuesday series.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the tips and look forward to hearing from you! here is Tip #10. 

If you’d like to cast your vote for the next topic covered in a video series related to transitioning
cultures, just click here!

I’m taking a personal retreat in Sedona, Arizona where it is stunningly beautiful. Taking time out for yourself us essential after dealing with the stresses of relocating. It helps recharge the batteries, gets you back in touch with the things most meaningful to you and, hopefully let’s you meet new people. (I met 8 new people today!)

I’ve got a week full of adventure and time and look forward to what I might discover.