Taking a Step Back

As stated in my previous blog, it is important to have conversations with others. Though we live in the information age, the 21st Century, we must remember to take a step back from technology and spend time with friends and family. However, to share in what I like to call "the simple life", it is important to take time for yourself by simplifying some of your time each day.

All too often, it is easy to get carried away watching television or playing video games. Though these acts may be done in solitude, this is not what I mean by taking time for yourself.

At Nazareth Farm, during my 5 week stay, I was surrounded by people most of the time. Living in community with the staff and volunteers made it difficult to reflect on myself and my life. Though I had no electronic distractions at Naz Farm, like I do when I am at home or school, I was distracted by those around me. As aforementioned, conversation and interpersonal activity is extremely important, however, Naz Farm has a subtle way of reminding its guests of the importance of spending time alone.

Here are some tips that can help you take a step back from the distractions in your life:

Take a walk. Going for a walk alone can greatly improve your moodand even your productivity. It can allow you to relax and reflect on your day. As long as you walk in a safe area, going for a walk alone can allow you to escape life's distractions and ponder what is important to you.

Keep a journal. By setting aside time everyday to write down your thoughts, you can relieve stress and figure out a lot about yourself. Journals can help you make necessary decisions or allow you to record your daily adventures. Whatever you choose to write about, journals can help you to empty your mind of many things. For example, it may be helpful to record things that you may need to remember or worries that you may be dealing with.

Enjoy nature. Watch the clouds. Gaze at the stars. Dance in the rain. Enjoy a sunset. Lay in the grass. Peer up at the trees. Listen to the birds. Nature has the ability to clear your mind. Soak it in. There is only one Earth and its beauty is abundant. Do not let your life pass you by without having appreciated all that nature has to give.

Think of all the things that you are thankful for. Sometimes it can be very hard to relax and feel a sense of happiness. Stresses in life often cast a shadow over what makes us smile. If you are feeling stressed, try to think of all the things you have to be thankful for. Even if your greatest joy is the piece of technology you are reading this on or the air that you are breathing, it is important to remember that you are fortunate.

Close your eyes and take a deep breath. If you happen to be too busy to go for a walk, keep a journal, or remember what makes you smile: never fear. It may only take a few seconds for you to center yourself and clear your mind.Remember to close your eyes and take a deep breath once a day. Though you may not be making any personal breakthroughs, at least you have had a few seconds without feeling the weight of any deadlines, worries, or difficult decisions.

At Nazareth Farm, my favorite way to escape all of my distractions was by enjoying the beautiful nature around me. From clouds to stars, trees to fireflies, there was always something wonderful to look at. The silence that nature brings allowed me to focus on myself and ponder what needed to be pondered at the time. What is your favorite way to clear your mind and figure things out? Come back to my blog next week to find another way that life in the 21st Century can be simplified!