FIND A PLACE OF PEACE

2:37 PM Posted by MS.NOVA

Once upon a time in Toronto, lived a girl and five female roommates. And their friends. And their boyfriends, man-friends, weed dealers, baby-sitters...

For an apartment that was always busy with people, it was the loneliest time of my life. I was depressed while living here, and after counseling and support, I began to pull myself out. When going home to a toxic environment plays into your anxiety, its crucial to have a place of peace.

A spot in the sun. A view that expands your perspective. A park, the roof of a building, a quiet street in a wealthy neighborhood, find a place where you can be still and silent. A few minutes are enough.

Personally, my peace place acted as an oasis and an opportunity to get out of my own head. When I was there I was just there. Not worrying or wondering. Fully present. Those few moments I gave myself began a wave of mindfulness and soon the way I viewed my life changed. It was moment to moment rather then remembering when or looking ahead.

The depression is a decade behind me now and I still make a point of finding a peace place whenever I move to a new area. A canyon behind my house with vista's of the ocean works quite nicely. Find a beautiful place where you live and go there. A lot.

"All we have right now, is right now."

- Juliana Wells

Morning walks give me time to re-group, check in or, on the really tough days, check out.

Questions for you:

What makes you feel connected to where you live?
When you encounter stress, where do you envision yourself being?
How about when you are lonely?