Creative Ways to Enjoy the Sunshine

It’s hard not to feel hopeful and inspired on a sunny spring day. Spending time outside in direct sunlight not only gives us a good dose of Vitamin D, but studies show that it’s good for our mental health as well. Take to the streets and sidewalks, find a local park to hang out in, or just enjoy outdoor seating at your favourite coffee shop. Here are a few suggestions of how you can make the most of the springlike weather:

– Go for a leisurely walk, by yourself, or with someone whose company your enjoy (this includes pets!)
– Get into a good book

– Study/do your schoolwork
– Play your instrument outside (if you can!) or listen to music
– Find some outdoor scenery to sketch or paint
– Write some poetry inspired by the day
– Take your knitting/sewing projects outside 

– Take your laptop/smartphone outside and play some games or do some blogging

– Practice yoga 
– Write a letter to a friend or family member (yes, a letter!)
– Write in your journal (or start one)

It’s easy to feel run-down when we’re struggling. Participating in creative and productive activities can help us feel better about ourselves, and better about life in general. In the spirit of renewal, let the springtime inspire you to do something you love, or even to try something new for your wellness today!

Buddha Doodles: Imperfect

 

Source: Buddha Doodles

The Toronto Star: Special Report: Mental Health

Read the feature here.

No Charge for Love

A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups, and set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard.

As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyes of a little boy.

“Mister,” he said, “I want to buy one of your puppies.”

“Well,” said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat of the back of his neck, “these puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money.”

The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. “I’ve got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?”

“Sure,” said the farmer. And with that he let out a whistle. “Here Dolly!” he called. Out from the doghouse and down ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur.

The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight.

As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller.

Down the ramp it slid. Then in a awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up….

“I want that one,” the little boy said, pointing to the runt.

The farmer knelt down at the boy’s side and said, “Son, you don’t want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would.”

With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe.

Looking back up at the farmer, he said, “You see sir, I don’t run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands.”

With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little pup. Holding it carefully he handed it to the little boy.

“How much?” asked the little boy.

“No charge,” answered the farmer, “There’s no charge for love.”

(Found this story unattributed on the Board of Wisdom)

2nd Annual “Songs to Recovery” a Success :)

In a comfortable and relaxing environment, musicians, artists, family, friends, supporters, and well-wishers spent a wonderful Saturday afternoon at the Aurora Cultural Centre enjoying music, poetry, and art show.

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Fighting to Live

About a year ago FOX 4 spoke to Danielle Buettner at one of her lowest points. She was in hospice and given six months to live due to her severe anorexia — something she has battled since she was six years old. FOX 4 caught up with her as she was recovering, and now — one year later — she’s better than ever.

Read the story of recovery: Fox 4 News: She nearly died of anorexia, now she shares her story of recovery with others

The Most Beautiful Flower

The park bench was deserted as I sat down to read

Beneath the long, straggly branches of an old willow tree.

Disillusioned by life with good reason to frown,

For the world was intent on dragging me down.

And if that weren’t enough to ruin my day,

A young boy out of breath approached me, all tired from play

He stood right before me with his head tilted down

And said with great excitement, “Look what I found!”

In his hand was a flower, and what a pitiful sight,

With its petals all worn – not enough rain, or too little light.

Wanting him to take his dead flower and go off to play,

I faked a small smile and then shifted away.

But instead of retreating he sat next to my side

And placed the flower to his nose

And declared with overacted surprise,

It sure smells pretty and it’s beautiful, too.

That’s why I picked it; here, it’s for you.”

The weed before me was dying or dead.

Not vibrant of colors: orange, yellow or red.

But I knew I must take it, or he might never leave.

So I reached for the flower, and replied, “Just what I need.”

but instead of him placing the flower in my hand,

He held it mid-air without reason or plan.

It was then that I noticed for the very first time

That weed-toting boy could not see: he was blind.

I heard my voice quiver; tears shone in the sun

As I thanked him for picking the very best one.

You’re welcome,” he smiled, and then ran off to play,

Unaware of the impact he’d had on my day.

I sat there and wondered how he managed to see

A self-pitying woman beneath an old willow tree.

How did he know of my self-indulged plight?

Perhaps from his heart, he’d been blessed with true sight.

Through the eyes of a blind child, at last I could see

The problem was not with the world; the problem was me.

And for all of those times I myself had been blind,

I vowed to see the beauty in life, And appreciate every second that’s mine.

And then I held that wilted flower up to my nose

And breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose

And smiled as I watched that young boy, Another weed in his hand,

About to change the life of an unsuspecting old man.

– Author Cheryl Costello Forshey

Buddha Doodles: Beauty

 

Source: Buddha Doodles