This past week I was able to go on a short getaway for the first time in a while. It was wonderful to be able to slow down and relax, to go on hikes, and enjoy nature. I had time for lots of extra meditations, some photography, reading a couple of books, and just sitting and being quiet.
So often we can think “I need a vacation”, or “I just wish I could go to that beautiful place”, and feel like we’re missing out. One of the beautiful things about rewiring our brain is that the brain really doesn’t know the difference between whether we’re imagining or if the event is happening in real life.
What that means is that when you take a few minutes to think back to that special trip that you took years ago, your brain really does relive it as if you’re back there again. Just close your eyes and picture your favorite vacation place.
Or maybe you’ve been dreaming of taking that perfect trip. It doesn’t even have to be real; it can just be your imagination. Whatever your happy place looks like for you is just perfect. Now hear the sounds – maybe the waves on the beach, or the sound of the birds. What do you smell – maybe the musty smell of the woods, or the ripening fruit of an orchard. How does the wind feel on your skin?
Or you can take some ideas from the movies or TV. Maybe your happy place is spinning in a field of flowers like Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music, or living a quiet life in the country like in Little House on the Prairie.
If you really feel into this exercise, you’ll see that you really can relax and slow down. What a wonderful way to take a short break!
If you’re having a hard time creating your own happy place, you can take a few minutes to listen to some visualizations on YouTube. Camping in the Redwoods is one of my favorite ones. You can hear the sounds of the forest, and just imagine the sights and smells.
I hope you’ll take a few minutes today to try this exercise. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can really relax and feel like you’ve had a short get-away!
As always, I’d love to hear how this works for you! I look forward to hearing from you.
