Evelyn Dove Coleman: How to Relax

It's a challenge in this busy world to pause from daily routines and just be still. Even when we schedule a vacation, we scurry to pack everything we may need, and then we scurry to get to our destination. Then we scurry to see all the sights. And finally, we scurry back home to begin our old daily routines again.

I have a friend who enjoys listening to music.  When he puts on albums from his extensive collection, we know not to talk. He wants to tune out all noise and hear the beats of the instruments and the words on the sound track.  Now that's relaxing.

I have another friend who packs up half the house to take a day trip to the beach. By the time we carry everything from the car, I am tired.  I would rather take a water thermos and a beach chair to relax and listen to the ocean waves. Better yet, chill on the balcony of an ocean-front room as seagulls soar through the sky.

I admit that it is difficult to relax when so many life concerns are running through my mind. Even when I put on a healing meditation to listen to, my mind wanders. Years ago, Jan Parson wisely told me, "You're always thinking, Evelyn."  She was correct. I am trying to do better these days and learn how to relax.