Smelling the Roses: Better Living Through SavoringWritten by Maureen Killoran, MA, DMin
“Stop and smell roses,” people often say. Then they smile ruefully, because everybody knows there isn’t enough TIME to stop or, as my daughter says, to “chill.” This is Conventional Wisdom – and I’m here to tell you that CW is simply WRONG. Researchers in Positive Psychology find that people actually get more done if they take time out to SAVOR their day. Not only that, but, over time, people who set aside a few hours every week are likely to be healthier, more relaxed, and better able to cope with stresses of everyday life. Why not try it? Give yourself gift of Savoring. (Hey, stress is all you have to lose!) To start, make a list of 10 things you REALLY enjoy doing, whether or not you’ve made time for them lately. I’m talking about stuff that gives you real pleasure. They may be things you do alone, or with one other person, or with a group. Look over list, and see if one thing says “pick me.” Choose one of those activities that you enjoy. Now: Take out your calendar, and SOME TIME IN THE NEXT MONTH, block out at least a 2-hour period that is JUST FOR YOU. Half a day is better. A whole day is best of all. Do whatever is needed to make that time free. Ask a neighbor to baby-sit. Tell your spouse you’ll be busy. Say “no” to half-dozen requests that will almost certainly challenge your Savoring Time .
| | Racism and YouWritten by Maureen Killoran, MA, DMin
Ethical question: You are in a local store. (This really happened.) An elderly, poorly-dressed lady is pushing a card, moving with obvious difficulty as she adds to her hoard first one item and then another. She finishes, and proceeds slowly – not to checkout, but to exit, where two security guards are chatting. At door, woman pauses, waits for perhaps 30 seconds directly under guards’ noses. It is as though she is invisible to everyone but you, for no one even blinks as she moves through door, pushing card and its stash of un-paid-for goods to her waiting car.The question: What would you do? How would you balance respect for elderly (Honor thy father an mother?)
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