Today, my thoughts are centered on silence -- how do we create it for ourselves when we need it, how do we protect it, how does it contribute to the caregiver's arsenal of tools for self-care?
I find silence is increasingly necessary in my life -- to the point I actively crave it. If I turn on the car radio, for example, it's fine when there's music I enjoy, but then the auto commercial starts blasting at an increased volume and it turns me off, so I turn it off! Same with noise pollution of all kinds. I really wish the dogs next door had an off switch!
I'm grateful that my work situation allows me to have quiet, if not true silence, or I can listen to music of my choosing. This is an empowering thing! I believe we can and need to create a cocoon of silence (or if that's too intense since we aren't usually used to silence and it can make us uncomfortable) an oasis of calming, soothing music as an active antidote to stress. Even taking a calming CD (not a guided meditation which may alter your conscious state too much to drive safely!) of quiet, reflective music with us in the car can provide a very lovely little respite from the noise and stress of the day.
I would love to hear from you what works for you!
I find silence is increasingly necessary in my life -- to the point I actively crave it. If I turn on the car radio, for example, it's fine when there's music I enjoy, but then the auto commercial starts blasting at an increased volume and it turns me off, so I turn it off! Same with noise pollution of all kinds. I really wish the dogs next door had an off switch!
I'm grateful that my work situation allows me to have quiet, if not true silence, or I can listen to music of my choosing. This is an empowering thing! I believe we can and need to create a cocoon of silence (or if that's too intense since we aren't usually used to silence and it can make us uncomfortable) an oasis of calming, soothing music as an active antidote to stress. Even taking a calming CD (not a guided meditation which may alter your conscious state too much to drive safely!) of quiet, reflective music with us in the car can provide a very lovely little respite from the noise and stress of the day.
I would love to hear from you what works for you!
