May 2010 marks the eighth month since I started One With Now. It is time for me to reflect on this journey and share with you my experience.

First of all, I’m so grateful to each one of you my beloved readers. A lot of you are friends and fellow bloggers whom I respect and admire. I am truly thankful for the time you spend reading and sharing your views in the comments.

My Journey

I started this blog to express my thoughts and views on inner peace.  My philosophy is that inner peace is a result of awareness and surrender (accepting what is in this moment). Through writing I express my own awakening to what is and reflect on life’s gifts and challenges.

My hope

My goal is to inspire you to be at peace and to enjoy this moment as it unfolds. If the message inspires one person,  then mission accomplished.

As I previously mentioned in the about page,  I’m no more qualified than you, or any other person for that matter, when it comes to how to live our lives. I only share my perspective and experiences which you may find useful and inspiring in your own journey.

There are as many perspective as there are people. I believe expressing and sharing our views is what helps us grow.

My own transformation

Interestingly, some of what I wrote about helped me tremendously. Writing has helped me uncover some beliefs and emotions, and find ways to channel them positively. You could say I’ve had therapy sessions in written format .

So in my desire to inspire others, I grew as a person from writing and reflecting on certain experiences. I have also gained insight from your comments and the viewpoints you have shared.

My connection to all of you gets stronger with every post and comment. I see more of our commonalities and desire for a peaceful life.

Your journey

If you ask me what I wish for you, it would be that you have all of the above: inspiration, insight and growth.

In your journey with this blog, I hope that it helped you, even in the smallest of ways, to be in a better place in your life, to have more peace and joy.

I also wanted to write about interesting topics that spark a healthy discussion and evoke different views.

Did I accomplish my goals and desires? I would love to hear your own views and why you read this blog. It will be of great help to me.

Wishing you peace, inspiration and joy.

Photo courtesy of -Gep-

Living in the Northwest has its advantages. In general the weather is not too cold and the winters are tolerable.  The downside is:  it can rain non stop for days on end. The gray skies, lack of sunshine and short days usually drag me down. I feel scattered and have low energy levels. My mood changes and my motivation goes downhill.

Image by: .craig

The tips below are the things that I do to cope with the long rainy fall.  This list is not exhaustive but can be a starting point.

1. Get enough sleep. You don’t want to wake up feeling tired and cranky. If you are well rested, chances are you will have more energy and clarity. Get enough sleep but no more. Don’t oversleep; it will have the opposite effect.
2. Take a vitamin D supplement. Sunshine is the main source of vitamin D but in rainy areas you will probably need a vitamin D supplement. It is essential for your health and will help your mood.
3. Work Slowly. Do one thing at a time and give it the attention it needs. If you feel scattered, stop and take a break. Embrace your sluggishness and let it lead the way.
4. Enjoy the rain. Watch it as it flows and cleanses the earth. Listen to the drops and how nature responds.  Rain can be purifying to the soul.  If you feel like getting wet, do it. Go outside and play in the rain. It is such fun.
5. Have a hot chocolate. Or any hot beverage you enjoy. Sip slowly and savor the taste. Listen to the silence in between rain drops.
6. Meditate. Close your eyes and take a few minutes to focus on your breathing. Become one with your body. Feel each inhalation and exhalation. If nothing else, you will relax and get a boost of energy.
7. Read a book or an article. Even better read aloud with a friend or a family member. It is fun and will keep you engaged.
8. Cuddle up by the fireplace. If you have a fireplace, enjoy it. Look at the fire and be inspired by its warmth and light. Share the space with your family. Warmth multiplies when shared.
9. Listen to music. Dance if you’re up to it. Music is a very powerful uplifting tool. Listen to the music you enjoy. If you are in a relaxed and calm state, listen to soft or classical music. If you have energy, crank it up and go for something upbeat. Sing and dance to your heart’s content.
10. Take a nap. Napping will relax you and give you more energy. But just like sleep, don’t over do it.
11. Watch a black and white movie. Nothing is more fitting for a rainy day than a classic, old movie.  Don’t ask me why. It’s just is.
12. Play games. Play board games, video games,  or mind games if you want.  Just have fun with your family and friends.
13. Exercise. Depending on your energy level, you can do cardio or lift weights. I personally prefer yoga and stretching. Any activity you do will help your body.
14. Communicate. Have a conversation or write an email or a letter to someone you’ve been meaning to connect with. Alternatively, write in a journal about your feelings and experiences.  This can free your mind and lift your spirits.
15. Start a hobby or work on yours. If you are doing something you enjoy, you will be fully immersed in it and won’t pay attention to the weather.
16. De-clutter, organize or clean your home. A clean uncluttered space will give you some peace and calm. Cleaning as a  physical activity will get your blood flowing and raise your energy as well.
17. Laugh. Or smile. If you can’t laugh at daily life situations, watch a sitcom or a movie.  You will feel  better.
18. Count your blessings. Saving the best for last. Chances are if you are reading this, you have shelter; you can read; you have heat and electricity; you have food, and more importantly, you are alive. Gratitude is the best antidote for negative emotions. It connects you with everything good that is in you and around you. You are more blessed than you imagine.

Most of these actions can be taken to feel better any time. But I think they are more important when nature decides to keep us indoors and out of its way.

What do you do to cope with the weather, or when you’re not up to par?

“I’m lazy. But it’s the lazy people who invented the wheel and the bicycle because they didn’t like walking or carrying things.”
- Lech Walesa

Today I am very lazy in a good way. We had friends over last night and spent hours talking, laughing, eating and drinking. Today is alone, recharging time.

The sunshine was amazing today. The entire house was filled with warmth and brightness.

Enjoying the Mellow Sunday evening. Browsing online, reading Twitter and being ok with not doing more. Doing nothing can be very productive.

Earlier today I bought some books and movies, then donated some funds to a charity supporting Multiple Myeloma Research in Canada. Sending well wishes and healing thoughts to everyone who has any sort of ailment. With the pace science has been advancing, we are closer than ever to finding cures.

As I write this the words that come to mind are: peace, joy, smile, relax and be. So I’m being here and now beginning the first entry in this blog. It is a lazy, relaxed beginning.

Promise to Self
They say to start is half done. I say keeping at it is the other half. I’m making a lazy promise today that I will keep writing even when I don’t think I have something to write about. If there is a positive thought, then it is going to show up somewhere on this blog.

Anticipation
Sunday night is one of my favorite TV nights. I’m waiting for: Drop Dead Diva, Mad Men and Dexter. A trio of of creativity and brilliance: a resurrected superficial model/ talented lawyer, a bunch of advertising crazies bringing sixties back, and a vengeful yet adorable serial killer. What more can we ask for?

Thank you universe for TV. While it can be mind numbing sometimes, some shows (like the ones mentioned above) can be very entertaining and thought provoking.