Take good care of yourself: Everyday comfort and joy

In a world full of turmoil and challenge, it’s good to know that sometimes the comforts found at home are the most fulfilling of all.

by Colette Lafia — 

Sometimes what the doctor ordered is not “out there” at some fancy spa or even within the pages of the latest self-help bestseller, but rather right in front of us, in the simple, everyday rituals of our lives.

Sometimes we need to be reminded of the inherent richness of our daily rituals and the sources of comfort that can be found in our most common actions, such as taking a bath, walking in the park, gardening or drinking tea with a friend.

Try out the following “cultivating comfort” tips to help you find more joy and contentment in your life. Best of all, the more comfort you cultivate for yourself, the more you will be able to offer comfort and joy to others.

1. Slow down for five minutes and be present. Listening to another person is a true gift of comfort in our busy world. Sometimes all another person wants is the comfort of being listened to.

2. Encourage someone to take a comfort break with you. See a movie or an art show; take your shoes off and walk on sand or grass; or take a moment to enjoy your garden.

3. Find easy ways to create more comfort in your home. A comfortable home benefits everyone who lives there and everyone who visits. Get new throw pillows for the sofa, put fresh flowers in a vase on the dining table, or clear out the linen closet and neatly fold the sheets and towels.

4. Let your everyday routines be a continual source of comfort. Enjoy the pleasure that your first sip of coffee or tea in the morning brings. Snuggle up and read a book. Take the time to relish other moments in your day that bring you joy.

5. Create a moment in the morning that brings comfort to those around you. Put a bowl of fresh fruit on the breakfast table; give your spouse a good morning hug; say hello to the person serving coffee, or offer someone your seat on the bus.

In a world full of turmoil and challenge, it’s good to know that sometimes the comforts found at home are the most fulfilling of all.

Colette Lafia is an educator, author and certified spiritual director providing workshops around her new book, Comfort and Joy: Simple Ways to Care for Ourselves and Others. 415-290-9372, [email protected] or www.colettelafia.com.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 27, Number 3, June/July 2008.