One way to help with our way of attending to things, and overall production, is to have an escape. The artist, SARK frequently speaks of having a magic cottage, but one working mother, named Laura but known in the cyber-world simply as "Lolli' on her blog Better in Bulk, describes having a “Happy Place.” Not as a means of avoiding problems that need to be dealt with, but simply a place to “get away” and refocus.
She says:
Scientists claim that one of the best ways to relieve stress and be a happier person is to find a personal “happy place.” In fact, scientists report that the brain can produce its own antidepressants and going to your ‘happy place’ truly works.
I found my Happy Place last year. I took a path that I had passed weekly on my way to Target and Walmart, the theaters and Kohls. I had seen the trail head many times, but I had never taken the time to find out what was beyond the road. Until last year. Set back from a main road, and only a 20 minute walk from the parking spot, is a little piece of heaven. The moment that I saw this spot of ground, I knew I had found my Happy Place:
With the constant din of life in general, it has become almost necessary to have a haven of some sort. I would reckon that most have this, whether they realize it or not; and those who don’t are no doubt longing for one. Even if it’s a magic cottage in your imagination.
photo credit http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51usGptf5jL._AA400_.jpg
Hi Brooke:
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me...last night...without getting too much into it I got really depressed about something (Laura had long since taken an Advil PM and I was alone with a slew of thoughts hit me).
Anyway, because of the fact I lean on emotional eating, I decided I needed to get out of my head. I knew of a Blockbuster that closed at midnight and I debated, "What should I get?" I was looking at sci-fi and horror films, and I found "Blades of Glory" and I thought "Humor Distraction Brooke taught me!" I bought it, took it home and watched it.
I tell you, you are saving sanity one person at a time!
good for you, don! i'm glad to help! laughter beats chocolate din dins any day!...b
ReplyDeleteI'm at my happy place right now -- isle of palms! yay! but I don't get here often enough. I completely agree with your post that a happy place is essential for recharging and finding peace of mind in the craziness of everyday life. I guess, my happy place closer to home would be...starbucks?! haha :)
ReplyDeletevery nice! i am jealous, kristen. starbucks will pale in comparison...b
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