"When this old world starts a-getting me down and people are just too much for me to face..." I've found myself humming this Drifters song - written by Carole King - a lot recently. Title is Up on the Roof. There is just a lot of stuff going on. Part of it is the political season we are in, I think. I'm already worn out with the ads and we've got a whole 'nuther nine months before November. No wonder elections are painful - you could have a baby in the amount of time they bluster and rant. Part of it has to do with the crazy curve balls life has been tossing at my tribe lately. There's some painful things in my circle. I just get weary of it all and draw further into my self - making forays into civilization when I must and hunkering in my little cozy places as much as possible. And I practice what I call "the fine art of self-medication." Now, before you stage an intervention and send me off to rehab (no, no, no) there are no drugs or alcohol involved. In the interest of transparency though, I must admit to some chocolate-use/abuse. I've have gone to eating the semi-sweet-chips straight out of the bag instead of using them for cooking. But I can stop anytime I want. Maybe I do need help? Anyway, there are a few things I've found to cope with the bad-news-blues so I thought I'd give a little tour of some of my favorite distractions. In no particular order:
1. Go outside. Carole and The Drifters went up on the roof, I prefer the back porch. Actually, I prefer the beach; but, the back porch will do if you've only got a few minutes and need to stop yourself from going postal or committing hari kari. Or, more importantly, before you say what you really want to say in the Facebook comments. Usually a few breaths of fresh air and some sun on your face will rein in the knee-jerk impulses that lead to more trouble than you bargained for.
2. Watch a video of somebody creating art. Have you seen those cool things they do with paint and a string or chain? Or pouring different colors over a colander? Or dipping things in spray paint floating on water? Or making blue plastic rivers in a coffee table? Or making a bowl out of colored pencils and pine cones and epoxy? It is fascinating! And, while I have no research to back me up, I think it might lower your blood pressure.
3. Make some art yourself. As long as it's relaxing and not stressful. Sometimes things don't turn out like we want them to and it gets frustrating. Perfectionists are prone to this. If that's the case, stick to watching. Or maybe get a coloring book - the lines help. Trust me.
4. Watch a video of people decorating cakes or cooking eggs. Again, probably no proof but I think this might lower blood pressure as well. Alternately, go in your kitchen and bake something. But do not expect it to look like the pictures. They never do. Skip this part if you are a recovering choc-o-holic.
5. Watch an episode of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. Not the movies about Mr. Rogers, but the actual show. Or, watch an episode of The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross and smile every time he says "happy little trees." Did you ever notice that Fred and Bob have the most soothing voices? I'll bet they were friends. I'd like to have them as friends.
6. Read out loud. This works best if you are alone, otherwise you might get funny looks. I like to find a comforting passage of Scripture and savor every word. Imagine that I'm reading it to a good friend. Imagine that I'm being a good friend to myself.
7. Music. Whatever you love. Loud or soft. Lay on the floor and listen or dance around. Play the piano - even if you are not very good at it. There are no rules. Unless you're driving. Then there are rules.
It's a crazy place, this broken down old world. And it's really easy to get caught up in the drama. A smart guy named Paul said this, If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18) Maybe start with yourself and branch out from there. Let me know how it goes. I could use some more "medicine." Selah
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