Creating the Zone of Tranquility

Most of us spend a fair bit of time in the kitchen.  Some of us enjoy that time, while others think of it as only slightly better than visiting the dentist.  To create a healing kitchen however, it is important to understand that attitude and emotion contribute to wellness.  An attitude of thankfulness and gratitude while preparing meals is what we should strive for.  But let me be the first to say that isn’t always easy to be positive at every meal.  

 If you’ve had an argument with your partner, are frustrated with your kids or you are dealing with poor health, it can be pretty hard to just shake off those negative feelings and prepare a healthy love-infused meal.  Creating a “Zone of Tranquility” can help. 

Think of a place or person or event that makes you feel really, really good.  Do you have a picture of it or them?  What about a piece of art that you can get lost in?  Is there a Bible verse, teaching, or saying that motivates and encourages you?  Find a spot in your kitchen that you can keep uncluttered and create your zone by placing the picture, verse, or art piece in it.   When you're feeling negative emotions while preparing meals take a moment to visit your zone.  Let the feelings you get from your place, person, event or other item suffuse you.  Open yourself up to the positive feelings and connect with your body without putting any stress or expectations on yourself.  Once you feel those positive emotions you can step back and objectively determine whether the negative emotions are relevant or if  they serve a purpose?  Will they change your partner's attitude?  Will they teach your children anything useful?  Will they improve your friendship?  Will they interfere with healing? 

Most of the time negative emotions only hurt the one feeling them.  Don't give them the power to bring you down.  Work at letting them go and get in the Zone!

I have a beautiful but small print I bought at a craft fair.  It is in bright reds and blues and is an abstract of the ocean.  Hidden in the swirls of waves are animals: a crab, starfish, moon snail and others I haven’t found yet.  When I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed I look at that picture and imagine myself at the beach with my kids.  It calms me and helps me refocus on my family's needs rather than my own.  Your “Zone of Tranquility” can be whatever helps you refocus, whatever helps you realign your thoughts and feelings to be positive and health promoting.   

"Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well."  Mahatma Gandhi