8 Resources that Help You Find Peace Today

Do you ever feel like escaping?

Maybe you have a trip planned.  My husband and I are going to the coast soon, and I know we'll breathe more deeply in the cool, moist air, take peace from the views of redwood forests, oak-sprinkled hills, and the uncluttered Pacific Ocean, and relax on a bluff overlooking a nearly-deserted north coast beach.  (The north coast is too cold, foggy, and hard to access to become crowded or over-developed.  Thank God.)

Our need for relief

But maybe you feel like escaping today.  The times oppress us.  The news brings shock, anxiety, and even despair to our days.  It's exhausting.

There have been other bad times in our history, of course.  I can only imagine how upsetting the late 50's into the 60's must have been for my parents and parents-in-law as they raised their small children and wondered what the future held.  Along with the wonder (and sometimes tragedy) of the Space Race, there was the Cuban Missile Crisis and the assassinations of President John Kennedy, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., presidential candidate Robert Kennedy, and others.  The Berlin Wall was built.  Silent Spring was published.  More countries developed nuclear weapons.  There was the Vietnam War and all the bad news and unrest from that.  Charles Manson formed his murderous cult.

Even as a child, I was aware of some of this.  I could tell when my parents were upset or afraid, though I'm sure they did their best to shield us.

But this era, our era, seems more chaotic and at least as dangerous.  We live in a society that is increasingly polarized.  We're supposedly more connected, yet we're ever more distrustful and disdainful of each other.  Wars and unrest are everywhere, and there are legitimate concerns for the future of democracy.  In many ways, we continue to ignore the results of our affluent lifestyle on our climate and on the world's poor.  More people are dangerously in debt, yet we can't seem to stop shopping – mostly for shoddily-made merchandise no one needs.  And there has been a ferocious assault on the truth, especially from leaders for whom "truth" is whatever they say it is.

Maybe we should be aware of what's happening, but the desire to remain ignorant of all of the details is rational.  Who can blame us for wanting a break from the stress of our media-saturated days?  We must find rest and peace at least some of the time.

8 things that help

1.  Real life

There is ample evidence that more screen time depresses our mood, and reducing screen time lifts it.  So use these strategies to take control:

• Don't go to bed with your phone, and don't reach for it first thing in the morning.
• Intentionally limit non-work screen time.
• Be sure to take a break from news coverage, including stories on social media.
• Turn off notifications on your phone and computer (except from emergency contacts).
• As much as possible, do things with other people face-to-face.
• Practice hobbies that don't require screens.

2.  Reading

Studies show that reading reduces stress, slows cognitive decline, and increases empathy, so let your mind focus on something else by reading a good book.  Lately, I've been re-reading Yann Martel's Life of Pi.*  What a captivating story, with spiritual depth (not limited to one religion), adventure, survival, beauty, and a wealth of detail and fascinating information.

* This blog is supported by readers, not ads.  If you buy through my links, I may earn a small commission.

3.  Pets

Those of you who are pet owners may find some respite with them.  Cuddling with your cat, or walking your dog through the park (sans headphones), can help you simply focus on that moment.  Animals always live in the moment.  We humans, with our worries and distractions, have a much harder time focusing.

4.  Children

I don't have pets (asthma!), but I can tell you that spending time with my grandsons can have the same soothing result.  Yes, they can be loud and active, but young children retain that ability to be in the moment, to focus on and wonder about what's right in front of them.  They can ask the most surprising questions and share the most unexpected facts about ideas that take their fancy, leading to conversations that have nothing whatever to do with current world events.

Don't know any children 10 and under?  Volunteer at a local preschool or offer to babysit your friends' or neighbors' kids for a couple of hours.

5.  Laughing

The Bible tells us "A merry heart does good like a medicine" (Proverbs 17:22), and now medical studies have proved it!  The problem is, you can't just sit around and manufacture a laugh.  It helps to have things in your life that stimulate laughter, such as:

• your kids or grandkids – Just be silly and lighthearted with them.
• comedic films
• jokes or comic strips – I've always liked Gary Larson's The Far Side.

6.  Gratitude

When you challenge yourself to discover reasons to be thankful, you're actually training your mind to work a certain way.  As it becomes a habit, you notice more and more details that inspire gratitude.  You nurture hope.  On the other hand, complaining makes you feel not just disgruntled, but powerless, which is why ranting about a problem only leads to anger and exhaustion.  Expressing gratitude might not always be easy, but it's powerful.

Related article:  We Could Make This Place Beautiful

7.  Nature

A growing body of scientific research indicates that time spent in nature relieves anxiety and depression, boosts the immune system, and promotes healing from injury or trauma, among other benefits.  But we live in a world that's increasingly urbanized and mechanized.

Machines and AI don't need anything green, but we do.  In an urban setting, parks, gardens, and other green spaces aren't just nice amenities, they aren't luxuries, they're necessities.  Rooftop gardens, window planters, and street trees are essential for sanity and humanity in cities.

In an ideal world, we'd all live somewhere that let us look outside or step out the door and be enveloped by nature.  I'm fortunate to sit and work at my dining table near a window overlooking grass and trees.  I often seen squirrels, birds, and neighbors out walking their dogs.  I'm not stuck in a cubicle in a city high rise.  But regardless of where you live or work, find ways to get some Vitamin N.

8.  Poetry

Poetry can distill complex feelings into beautiful words that offer meaning and comfort.  It speaks to us individually, yet helps us recognize our shared humanity.

This poem is by the wonderful, widely-celebrated American poet, Mary Oliver.  It is collected (along with many other gems) in her book, Devotions.  I think you'll want a copy!  With a bit of humor and a lot of wisdom, Mary helps us remember that we're not ultimately in charge.  This can inspire us to let go of fear, stop wasting energy, and try something we think we cannot do.

I Worried

by Mary Oliver

I worried a lot.  Will the garden grow, will the rivers

flow in the right direction, will the earth turn

as it was taught, and if not how shall

I correct it?

Was I right, was I wrong, will I be forgiven,

can I do better?

Will I ever be able to sing?  Even the sparrows

can do it and I am, well,

hopeless.

Is my eyesight fading or am I just imagining it,

am I going to get rheumatism,

lockjaw, dementia?

Finally, I saw that worrying had come to nothing.

And gave it up.  And took my old body

and went out into the morning,

and sang.

If you like, listen to the poem here.)