Imagine if you can calm the body, quiet the mind, open the heart and awaken the spirit--almost instantaneously.
That's the premise behind SHORCUTS TO INNER PEACE (Berkley Books) by Ashley Davis Bush, a licensed psychotherapist and grief counselor in private practice . . . she presents, to quote the book's subtitle, 70 SIMPLE PATHS TO EVERYDAY SERENITY . . . these can be done virtually anywhere, and most of them just take a few brief moments to do.
Each path begins with a trigger, which is then followed by a specific tool to utilize . . . for example, I liked this one that I'm already starting to use:
* TRIGGER: When falling asleep.
TOOL: As you are in bed starting to fall asleep, review your day and list three things that happened for which you are grateful. Don't just vaguely remember each instance, but actively recall it and re-create the experience of it. Hold the feeling and think of yourself as a sponge, absorbing the memory in your body.
Another useful one was the following:
* TRIGGER: When you find yourself annoyed with a loved one.
TOO: Hum the song "You Are My Sunshine" and remember that your time together on this earth is limited. Recollect a time of joy with this person and let it fill the space of annoyance in your mind.
And, lastly, here's another tidbit that can be put into practice right away by anybody:
* TRIGGER: When you have a pen in your hand--writing a to-do list, adding to your grocery list or writing down messages from your voice mail.
TOOL: Make it a habit to give a little supportive note to someone every day. Write a few words of gratitude or appreciation, such as Thanks for helping me empty the dishwasher this morning or Good luck on your test today. Put them on mirrors, in lunch boxes, on computer screens, on dashboards, on desks, on pillows. Consider giving them to people you live with, people you work with, and friends and relatives. Paper the world with your love.
I'd like to tell you more about SHORTCUTS TO INNER PEACE, but I don't want to ruin your joy in reading it . . . furthermore, I need to finish this review so I can write a "thanks" to the book's author for having written such a valuable guide.
