There are many issues in life that want our attention. Issues that call us to be present to life’s demands: our families, careers, financial issues, etc. You may be looking for ways to be in better control of your life. To be in a place not at the mercy of your emotions, reacting to each day’s disconcerting experiences.

Think of all the drama in the news — even weather reports bode of disaster rather than just rain. The complaints of people around us can be a serious downer, leading to unhappiness, anger, fatigue and even states of chronic exhaustion.

But we can take action to stay in control of our lives.

According to science, everything is energy and this energy vibrates at various levels. Think of the high vibrations; the high tones of music versus the low and slow vibrations of lower tones. I believe we can raise our own energy, by taking responsibility for how we feel and not playing the blame-game.

Exercise has also been proven to be good for the body, mind and spirit, according to the Mayo Clinic’s May 11, 2019 article, “Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity.” You may already have an exercise regimen. Good for you if you do. And if you don’t, do it!

I find walking in nature uplifting. Psychology Today’s Jan. 8, 2018 article “Why Connecting With Nature Elevates Your Mental Health” explains how immersing yourself in nature can improve your overall mood and outlook on life. We are fortunate to have bike and walking paths, rivers and mountains in our area to benefit from. The healing power of being out in nature is (for me) so empowering.

I personally like gardening, as it can be a great physical workout. Additionally, it encourages me to appreciate the nature around me — my plants, trees and the way the birds call back and forth to each other. I often stop and listen to the sounds of the wind blowing through the trees — how the trees play with the wind, great branches swaying to and fro, especially the tall maples and oaks. This experience is not only relaxing, but it also creates within me a feeling of gratitude for my life, health, family, home, friends, garden, work, the list is long.

At a time when I was feeling anxious and unhappy, a friend suggested I adopt a personal practice of gratitude. Since then, I have made it a habit to be grateful. To make a practice of saying, and even writing down, all the things in my life for which I am grateful. I find this practice to be a powerful way to rebalance myself mentally, physically and spiritually.

So the next time you find yourself pushed and pulled by life, try, among these other ideas I suggest, to adopt a practice of gratitude in your life.

Sue Silver is a member of Shepherdstown Friends, the local Quaker Community. She is a CRNA Nurse Anesthetist, photographer, writer and a teacher for Awakened Life teaching personal transformational work including meditation and practices Energy healing. She can be reached at suesilver194@gmail.com and suesilver.wordpress.com.