The world can be a hard place. From paved roads and concrete sidewalks, to the metallic coldness of our computer casements (if yours is plastic, good for you), to the hard stance it sometimes takes to sit down with our business budgets and make the necessary decisions. For those who deal with human suffering on a constant basis—either their own or trying to mitigate someone else’s—the world can be even harder.
A few years back, I was reminded specifically of the hardness of a hospital stay. The doctor later told me he’d admitted me because he thought I was going to die. Well, that fit right in with my thoughts while lying in that sterile place with its scratchy sheets, white walls, cold metallic side bars on the beds, and a smell that seemed to be a subtle cross between death and bright chemicals.
Lying in that hard bed, I distinctly remember thinking, “This is a place people come to die.” And then, when it was clear I would not be one of them, I started thinking into the future. I wished that someday I could bring color, the fragrance of light flowers, and softness (maybe even teddy bears!) to each room in every hospital in existence— despite the obvious complications of such ideas. Well, you know I am always dreaming big.
The truth is that our physical spaces and the objects within them have a big impact on our bodies and our psyches. So, if you are interested in creating more health in your life and mind, then a simple place to begin is with your physical spaces and the objects you encounter within them. There are many ways you can go about this, but today I’m just suggesting that you add something soft to your life. Here are three ideas.
3 Ways to Add Softness to Your Life Today
1. Walk on a dirt path or the grass, instead of on the sidewalk or street, if at all possible. Even better, tread over a patch of pine needles or fallen leaves.
2. Buy this blanket. Really. Another “big dream” I have is that everyone in the world (except maybe those who live in the tropics) could be gifted this blanket—especially those who are in hard places where deprivation is rampant. Your life may not be one of serious physical deprivation, but I would like you to have the blanket anyway. It may just be possible that you’ve never touched anything softer in your life.
3. Go to a thrift shop and find the softest sweater or flannel shirt you can find. Bring it home. (Well, yes, please visit the register first). Or, check out this very snuggly, lined flannel shirt from L.L. Bean (women’s) or this fleece-lined one for men.
That’s it. What are your ideas for adding something soft to your life today?