Spirit

Feeling Stretched? Give Yourself the Gift of Serenity

When the temperature of our hometown of Tempe, Arizona recently hit 118 degrees, my wife had an inspired idea:

“Let’s get out of here.”

One of the benefits of being writers is the ability to work from anywhere. Two days later, we were standing on a hotel balcony overlooking a marina in deliciously cool San Diego CA.

I spent the following morning exploring the Japanese Friendship Garden in nearby Balboa Park. I was entranced. The winding footpaths. Gentle waterfalls. Koi ponds filled with large, colorful fish. A meandering stream crossed by a gracefully arching footbridge. Quiet fountains formed of bamboo and stone. I sat on a shaded bench and marveled at the exquisite marriage of raw nature and artful landscaping. I left the garden feeling deeply content, like my emotional tank had been filled to the brim.

When we arrived back in Arizona, I sought out our local Japanese Friendship Garden. Nestled in the heart of downtown Phoenix, this surprisingly charming oasis is available to all who seek respite from the bustle of city life. In almost fifteen years of living in the area, this was my first visit. Why had it taken me so long?

It’s so easy to be caught in a mindless routine, putting my head down and churning through endless tasks, appointments, and responsibilities. My trips to these gardens reminded me that seeking life-giving serenity requires intentional choices. I’ll be more mindful in the future.

So how about you? Does your emotional tank need refilling? Does dipping your toes in a pool of serenity sound delightful? Make some time. Seek out a garden, a park, a trail, a museum, a quiet wood. Press pause on your to do list and just be. If you do, you’ll come away refreshed, and you’ll take another step toward Becoming Yourself.

Matt McMann

Matt McMann writes books for children and the personal development blog Becoming Yourself (becomingyourself.net).

Share
Published by
Matt McMann

Recent Posts

Finding a “Still Water” Mind

It’s been a turbulent month.  An exhausting week of author school visits capped by a…

3 days ago

Want a More Fulfilling Life? Embrace Your Mortality

It’s happening quickly. Two years ago, there were eight people on my dad’s side of…

1 week ago

Define Your Own Win

I was driven.  Once I had the goal of being a traditionally published author in…

2 weeks ago

The Frustratingly Beautiful Practice of Silence

I have monkey mind.  In my practice of silence, rather than the calm stillness I…

3 weeks ago

A Raw and Honest Take on Prayer

She captivated the crowd. The thousand of us in the hotel ballroom hung on every…

1 month ago

Want to Live Your Dream? Find Real Life Examples

I’m a routine guy. I thrive in habits. This can be a real strength, as…

1 month ago