For many of us, the Easter season is time for a new beginning. By now the winter doldrums should be giving way to sunshine happiness. Easter Sunday is characterized by the Pascal Lamb, resurrection, and rebirth. And in “The Passover Lamb,” by Linda Elovitz Marshall, we see a delightful reminder of a child’s creativity while honoring religious tradition. We all need to find ways to move forward after a snowy winter of interrupted routines, seasonal affective disorders, frazzled nerves, and strained relationships.
In addition to reminding ourselves of that, scientific gratitude research from Robert A. Emmons, PhD, and the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, have regularly found that “a conscious focus on blessings may have emotional and interpersonal benefits.”
Here are three other thoughts. Let’s reassess our priorities, make time to play, and embrace mindfulness.
Reassess Priorities: When we were overwhelmed by snow, it felt as if time stood still in terms of our routines. Look at what you let fall by the wayside during that time. Then ask yourself two questions: “How much of my ‘To Do’ list is all that important? What is most important for me today, for those whom I love?” Whenever you go through the unplanned, by making a list of what was expected of you and what you were able to accomplish reinforces your resiliency.
Make Time for Yourself: When time appears to stand still while we address an immediate need — handling a crisis, caring for someone who is ill, or even planning a happy event — we get through it, often without enough sleep. But what about starting now to think of ways you might make yourself a priority? How much time should you save for yourself for the arts, reading, pursuing a hobby, or exercising?
Even our ancestors, early settlers with difficult lives, knew the value of play time. Take a ride on the carousels in Rhode Island, which still bring laughter to children and adults alike, and be grateful to those who built them. The carousels are an example of resilience through folk art.
Embrace Mindfulness: Focus on the moment, not even the next hour. Take just one moment at a time and vow that it will be the best moment you can give to yourself. The Harvard Health Letter, in discussing mindfulness, pointed out that there were 47 well-designed studies whose findings were published in JAMA Internal Medicine. The studies “suggest that mindfulness meditation can help ease psychological stresses like anxiety, depression, and pain.”
Resiliency means to spring back. In some ways it is a gift, but to those who can recover quickly from difficulties, it is also a blessing, one that we can all cultivate.
Rita Watson: Three thoughts for springing forward – Published 4/4/2015 / Providence Journal
Copyright 2015 Rita Watson