Since my dad’s passing in 2022, we’ve been going to visit him at the cemetery a few times a year. One of the days we go and bring him flowers and talk to him is the weekend before Thanksgiving. Due to my constant stomach issues, we have always saved money to take a cab to the cemetery and then we take the train back. The cemetery is located in the Bronx so to get although we do not have to walk very much, we do have to go up and down quite a bit of stairs which normally was not an issue, but on his birthday over 2 months ago, I was unable to go because I could not walk more than a few steps let alone go up and down all those stairs.
Yesterday was a different story. Not only was my stomach cooperating for the first time in a long time, but I felt good enough to take the train to and from the cemetery. For me this was a big win! My quads, hamstrings and soggy glutes were strong enough to bring me down and take me up those stairs and up the hill where my papa’s headstone is located. It wasn’t until I came home and had to go down the stairs to my apartment that I felt my legs were just done. I crashed on the couch, tired, but satisfied and thankful I was able to visit my papa.
Today, I woke a bit nervous about an endoscopy I have scheduled this Tuesday, but eager to begin decorating for Christmas to distract myself and bring in some Christmas cheer. However, my body has other plans. I was utterly exhausted and my legs felt like anchors. I kept debating whether to push my body to decorate, or give it a break and maybe just tap into the right side of my brain and draw. Two hours after breakfast, my body spoke loudly and I took a nap which was just what my body needed. After a quick snooze, I figured today was a good day to listen to my body, rest and give my brain a treat by drawing.
Before we came home yesterday, we went to a Keyfood in the Bronx and purchased a few items we needed along with some snacks for next week. My brother purchased some chips from Wise foods which had Snoopy and gang on the front of their products to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Peanuts!! That was enough to inspire me to draw one of them today. It was the best hour 1/2 I had tuning out the world and just focusing on art. This is where mind body synergy comes into play. My body was tired but a bit tense and drawing not only was a treat to my brain, quieting the monkey’s that are usually jumping around in there, but it relaxed my body and left me in a blissful state.
Drawing, painting, running, working out, reading a book, cooking, going for a walk, knitting, etc.. are all things you can do to distract your mind, or relax when you are stressed or just need an escape, which can in turn relax your body.
I for one am determined to draw the other three bags that Wise has with Snoopy and the gang on them and just display them for Christmas. This way, I can not only carve out time to tune out all I have going on these days, but I can admire my work and use it as a reminder that this hobby of mine is worth doing more.
In times of chaos or stress, try to get back to that hobby you may have taken a break from. Or, if you’re looking for a new hobby to take up, take the quiz at Hobby Quiz to see what hobby is right for you. Or you can just reflect on your likes and interests and take a class near you or online. You’d be surprised how enriched you can feel when you make time for yourself!
Until tomorrow my Phoenixes!!!! Make time for yourself and Never Give Up!!
Mind Body Synergylia 