Life in Peace(s)

Today's post comes from the amazing Cherie Eaves, who among many other things is the writing force behind My Kids Therapy Jar.  Read today's post and then head over to http://www.mykidstherapyjar.blogspot.com to read more of her awesome writing!

Let’s face it…Life can be HARD.  Society seems to be structured to create maximum stress and minimal support and connections.  We spend our days running from errands to job to church to school and start it over again the next day….for days, weeks and months on end.  We eat in our cars, sleep on our couches and live on our phones and other “smart” devices.  While there are advantages to all of the modern conveniences we have, the information accessible at our fingertips; they, and our busy schedules also keep us separated, distracted, unbalanced and unfulfilled.  Sometimes we are so busy, it seems as if we have to tear ourselves into pieces to manage the many roles we have.  For mothers, especially, this can be grueling….we are parent/nurturer/caregiver, spouse, co-worker/boss, chief cook, bottle washer and taxi service.  By the time we finish the many “jobs” we hold, we rarely have time for ourselves, our own self-care.  How do we put ourselves together again after being split in pieces day after day?

How do we find peace when we are in pieces?

Let’s talk about triangles for a moment…okay, bear with me, I know no one has time or patience for a math lesson right now.  But I’m going somewhere with this…  Triangles have 3 sides.  No matter the length of the sides, a triangle must have 3 of them…if not, it is no longer a triangle and it is no longer able to stand.  Likewise, we need harmony with mind, body and spirit to help us maintain balance in this hectic world. Taking the time to nurture the mind, body and spirit are vital to finding peace—to putting our pieces back together again.  Just as a triangle is not a triangle if a side is missing, so too, we are not ourselves without taking time to care for our pieces.

As Moms we often feel we are losing our minds (“Stop touching your sister.” “Eat your vegetables.”  “No ketchup is not a vegetable.”)….and on and on.  Our minds are often filled with lists and charts and “must-do’s.”  We go to bed and instead of the rest we seek, we find ourselves rest-less.  How often do we take the time to re-set, quiet the mind?  We have to feed the mind just like we feed the hungry mouths around our dinner table.  Reading…from novels to business articles and political news, are one way to feed the mind.  Learn a new language.  Take a class.  I know…you are asking yourself just how am I supposed to add one more thing to my already packed schedule?  But Momma, you are worth it.  We are worth it.  Even if you have to find time to read in the bathroom (lock the door because you KNOW the little ones are busting in.)  Feeding your mind, challenging yourself to learn and grow are a part of a healthy, balanced life. 

Just like the mind, we must feed the body…and no, I do not mean potato chips.  I mean, I LOVE potato chips, but can’t really feed God’s temple with potato chips as fun as that may be.  In all seriousness, we do have to take care of the body God gave us.  Healthy, organic foods, as close to their natural state do a body good.  The next time we tell our kids to eat our veggies….we should also, eat our veggies.  And Exercise!  I know, I know.  Who has time for that??  But make time.  For you, because, again, you deserve it.  Whether you love dancing (I admit, I dance around the house all the time), or hitting the gym, or taking long walks with the kids and the significant other….schedule it.  Just do it.  (Sorry Nike…)  I know I tend to  sleep better and feel better overall when I add a little exercise to my day.

And the Spirit….often the most neglected piece.  We can’t see it, taste it touch it, but oh we can feel it.  That spirit that makes us, “us.”  When we are out of balance spiritually, we feel it in so many ways. Through service to God and fellow man, I find peace.  If it floats your boat, attend the house of worship of your choice.  If serving the homeless community at the shelter feeds your soul, then do it.  Doing good, feels good and helps to create an undeniable sense of peace and well-being within.  Meditation is also another way to find harmony of spirit.  I don’t know about you but I find it difficult to still my mind and restless spirit during meditation.  The noise of the world wants to intrude but I keep trying because spiritual well-being is crucial.  I highly recommend getting your “ohm” on!

Mind, body, spirit—the triumvirate of peace.  As a busy Mom, I know the challenges of nurturing self.  It seems selfish, even self-indulgent to close the door and read a chapter, or take a bath.  It takes extra effort to meal prep or hit up the organic aisle (more money too…why are you so expensive Whole Foods???)  It takes time and practice to meditate or attend a worship service.  But the reward?  Peace.  Peace of mind, peace of body and peace of spirit.  As life does its best to pull us in a million directions and keep us in pieces…I am actively choosing to find harmony and live my life in peace(s).