{"id":301,"date":"2012-04-13T09:00:34","date_gmt":"2012-04-13T09:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/happyhaven\/?p=301"},"modified":"2012-04-12T22:25:13","modified_gmt":"2012-04-12T22:25:13","slug":"refresh-your-spirit-this-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/happyhaven\/2012\/04\/13\/refresh-your-spirit-this-weekend\/","title":{"rendered":"Refresh Your Spirit This Weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Tree<\/a>
{flickr photo}<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As we transition from a hectic work week into the weekend, it’s important to plan activities that take you from stressed and burnt out to recharged and filled with peace. And there is a way to do so that doesn’t require a luxurious weekend retreat or a spa vacation.<\/p>\n

The key is finding activities that soothe the soul, that take you from the anxiety you feel about the future and the angst you feel about the past. It’s engaging in something that can help you savor the moment, one that will last through the weekend and into the new week.<\/p>\n

The Magical Elixir for Refreshing Your Soul<\/strong><\/p>\n

What’s the real secret for cultivating more serenity into your day? Plant seeds of calm and hope via the outdoors. In fact, Roger Walsh of the\u00a0University of California, Irvine College of Medicine described nature as the following in Lifestyle and Mental Health<\/a><\/em>:<\/p>\n

“Imagine a therapy that had no known side effects, was readily\u00a0available, and could improve your cognitive functioning at zero\u00a0cost. Such a therapy has been known to philosophers, writers, and\u00a0laypeople alike: interacting with nature.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Amazing isn’t it? The simple and free act of spending time outdoors is enough to improve cognition and well-being. Basking in the sunshine and feeling the cool, fresh breeze are healing and return us to what really matters in life.<\/p>\n

What is it about nature that lifts your spirits?<\/strong><\/p>\n

For me, it’s feeling the dirt under my feet that brings me a sense of stability and security. It’s the sound of water running between rocks, the birds with their hopeful melody, the joy of being witness to life and the simple knowing that comes when I am present and silent. In the midst of the miracle of nature, flows a sense of ease and certainty that everything is okay in this moment. And because of it, I will be okay no matter what obstacles come my way.<\/p>\n

This is my hope for all of you. This weekend choose to shut down your laptops, put away your iPads and turn off your cell phones. Just for a moment envelop your senses in nature. Feel blessed in the presence of God’s creation. Be energized where you feel depleted and experience wholeness where you feel empty. Come Monday you will feel grateful, refreshed and ready to begin another week.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As we transition from a hectic work week into the weekend, it’s important to plan activities that take you from stressed and burnt out to recharged and filled with peace. And there is a way to do so that doesn’t require a luxurious weekend retreat or a spa vacation. 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