Monday, April 09, 2007

Monday Morning

Many people experince feelings of gloom and moodiness on Mondays. Perhaps it is a result of the frenzied activities on weekends, followed by a severe let-down on Monday. Whatever the cause, here are some cloud-breakers for you.



Everyone who is human experiences let-down feelings. That in itself can be reassurring. One day I was not feeling particularly enthusiastic about life, and so I thought I might as well catch up on my Bible reading.

We have a little weekly chart in our church bulletin that shows the daily reading schedule, and that day it was 2 chapters in the book of Numbers.

For those of you not familiar with the Bible, the book of numbers is a tedious counting of the tribes of Israel when they left Egypt and journeyed to the Promised Land. The chapters I was reading were very mundane and boring, and yet I knew there was a reason to be reading them, so I read them.

I commented to my daughter afterwards, that even though the words had no particular impact on my life, or meaning to me, or in fact, did not inspire me to do something better, a special feeling of calmness came over me when I read them. We both began to bounce ideas off each other as to why that should be so. After all, we were interested in solving our problems of getting things done on time, looking after children, shopping the best bargains, making adequate meals, keeping the house clean, and helping other members of the family in their endeavors. I tend to read things that help me understand my life and my role, and the book of Numbers dealt mostly with numbers.

One thing that we came up with was that in reading the book of Numbers, even though it didn't seem to have the drama or instruction or wisdom in it that other books have, it was at least, the truth. There is something quite calming about truthful words, even if they aren't like light coming out of the clouds on a gloomy day. When days are besieged by nervousness and unforseen problems, reading something that has no drama or problems in it, can soothe the pounding heart. I have a few books that are mainly pictures, along with little sayings, that have a similar effect.

And so, we both discovered that when you feel moody and let-down, good reading material, good art, and good words, are essential cloud-breakers. Behind every cloud, there is sunshine, of course. Every "blue-period" has a purpose.

Sometimes human beings just need to sit still and read something calming. It reminds me of one time when I was feeling particularly tired and a little "down" and someone told me about a marvellous vitamin that would give me more energy. I declined, saying that I really didn't want more energy because then I would do more things, and be even more tired.

Sometimes the cloudy moods are for the purpose of resting. At such times, it might be helpful to take a scented bath and wear a pretty dress, listen to lovely music, and buy a bouquet of pretty flowers. Many people say they cannot afford fresh flowers, but if they would look at the amount they spend at coffee shops, fast food restaurants, fizzy drinks (which can add up to as much as $30.00 a month sometimes) they can afford 12 stems of roses from the grocery store at about $11.00. These can last quite a few weeks and give such a lift to the homemaker.

Knowing that others feel these things makes us more aware of what we could do to pick them up emotionally: a basket of pleasant things, a box of tea things to make their own personal afternoon tea, or, how about this: make your own personal book on tape by reading something that the recipient would like, on tape or cd. (Please don't ask me how to do this. I haven't learned how to make a cd myself yet).

Another thing that I have observed that prevents the cast-down feeling is a way of eating. Sometimes, in an effort to get a lift and get out of a down mood, people will eat lots of cookies and sweets and breads. It makes them feel great, but the next day is almost always a let-down day. Those kinds of simple-carbs can lift you up temporarily, but will let you down the next day. So, a way of eating that involves regular meals, not too heavily loaded with starches, will prevent hunger and desperate type binges. Regular meals keep the blood sugar level at a normal high, and prevents the terrible let down feeling that can result in moroseness, negativism, and sometimes even anger.

( continued)

There are several things that I do that will invariably life my spirits and relieve me of any sadness or worry.

I get dressed up as if someone important were coming to see me, or I were going to see them. I get my house in order by picking up clutter, dusting, putting things in different places to make a new look, and bake something that smells good. I air out my house. I listen to good music. Most of the time when people are feeling down, the physical senses, such as sound, sight, and smell, are not being used. I get a small box or basket of things ready to take to someone, or write a letter. I find a way to make something "do" without spending money. I have inexpensive clear lights (the kind that people buy at Christmas time) which I leave wound around shelves and tops of cabinets. These tiny, sparkling lights can be used year-round, and they give a different kind of indirect lighting that improves the mood.

Years ago I eliminated all the reading material from my library that had anything depressing in it. From then on, I was careful what I read, and I noticed that I was not as susceptible to down feelings or low moods. I don't buy the women's magazines that do not celebrate true womanhood, or watch the shows that do not promote marriage, home and family. I only read and watch what really gives me a lift. I surround myself in the color and the things that make me smile.

For those who really need a lift outside the home, go here http://www.thevictorianparlor.com/main.html, or here for those who live near Mornington, Victoria, Australia http://travelactivities.news.com.au/activity/WDME101/?categoryid=11&fromdate=2007-04-07

Painting: "Summer's Day in the Flower Garden" by Robert Payton Reid

Robert Payton Reid (1859-1945) was an Edinburgh-based artist. He trained in Edinburgh and then in Munich and Paris in the 1880s. He travelled extensively through Europe during his career. His paintings of landscapes and figures reflect his widespread travels and awareness of issues of the day.

My friend, Lisa, has a wonderful article about rising up from sadness and loss (whether it be the death of a loved one or unforseen misfortunes, etc.) here http://countryvictorian.blogspot.com/2007/04/to-everything-there-is-season.html on her beautiful blog. Her writing is like a beautiful painting. Be sure to click on her blog title and read other articles like the one called "Lead a quiet life" here http://countryvictorian.blogspot.com/2007/02/until-we-meet-again.html

20 comments:

Cherish the Home said...

What an interesting observation! I bet you're right. I had never thought of it like that before but truth is calming.

Oh and I tried adding some pretty music to my blog like you've done but could not get it to work correctly. I could get it onto my blog but it will only play if you click 'play'. Do you have any suggestions?

Also, did you add it to your template or do the click and drag thing that the new blogger lets us do now?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Blessings!
~Mrs.B

Anonymous said...

I totally agree with you! Our minds and hearts tend to become to busy and hyper that we feel out of sorts. Reading the bible is very calming to me as well. Truth does wonders :)

Lydia said...

Mrs. B. It is from a site called eSnips. It shows you the instructions there. YOu have to get your code and paste it into your blogger somewhere. I'll ask my daughter when I get the chance, as she was fooling around with this blogger when she visited and found out how to do it. I know nothing.

Lydia said...

Regarding the Bible, My MIL used to say that I didn't have to understand it all, I just had to read it.

Candy said...

This was a good post for me today. I have been struggling today with some personal things and getting down and probably too hard on myself. Thanks,

Candy

Marie said...

In re: roses, may I recommend, that we all plant a rose bush or two.

I have planted 3 (all about $5 each) and have a nice supply of sweet smelling roses at little to no expense.

Musiclover said...

I find also that doing something to help another person helps to get one's mind off oneself. It focuses the mind outwards instead of inwards, which can be a good thing sometimes!

And I heartily agree about the reading matter. I no longer read anything negative at all, as I have noticed that it does affectmy mood a great deal.

FlipFlop Mom said...

GORGEOUS GORGEOUS BLOG!! I'll be back!!!!!!!!

wendybirde said...

I found real comfort in this post tonight Lady Lydia. You are right, the truth is calming. "My MIL used to say that I didn't have to understand it all, I just had to read it (the Bible)", i love that.

And there was such wisdom here (next qoute), i wonder so often why we idealize speed when so often the healer is slowing down: "Sometimes human beings just need to sit still and read something calming. It reminds me of one time when I was feeling particularly tired and a little "down" and someone told me about a marvellous vitamin that would give me more energy. I declined, saying that I really didn't want more energy because then I would do more things, and be even more tired."

I really appreciated this lovely post.

Blessed Eastertide : ) Wendy

Mrs. Anna T said...

Dear Lady Lydia, thank you so much for this encouraging post. We all have those days.
I do feel reading through holy texts helps a lot. Psalms are like a balsam to one's soul, and the book of Ruth is always so uplifting.

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to comment on your blog. I am a stay-at-home mom and I find it to be such comfort and inspiration. You should consider writing a book. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your message. It has been very timely. I've noticed that if the errand days or social events are too close together and I am out of the house more than I want to be and have not taken the time to compose myself with Bible reading etc. that I get that "anxious" feeling. Good, true words, good music, good art do wonders.

Laurel said...

Dear Lady Lydia,
Your words are as soothing as the Sonata that is playing. Would you happen to know the composer? Thank you for your time and energy in this blog.

Aldara said...

I just wanted to say this was a beautiful post. Thank you so much. I have been so sad and moody lately(my husband has told me jokingly that I must be pregnant lol). This post brightened my day and inspired me. I think I will make afternoon tea for my family today. I will try to do it everyday and read my bible more. Once again thank you!
Blessings to you and I hope you had a wonderful Easter!
Aldara

Lydia said...

The music I think is Beethoven piano concerto number 25. It is from the esnips program and there is supposed to be a playbill, or series of pieces, but so far, this is the only piece that plays. We will work out the problems when we are able.

Cherish the Home said...

Lady Lydia I finally figured out how to get the e-snips player to play automatically when my blog loads! YAY!!

I'm enjoying the music very much....I'm so glad I saw this feature on your blog, thank you! (o:

Blessings,
~Mrs.B

Anonymous said...

Hello Lydia,

I wanted to thank you for your inspirational writings..I've nominated you for the 'Thinking Blogger Award'..please see my recent post to view the details.

Have a wonderful day!

Leanne

Anonymous said...

Dearest lady Lydia,

I've just read your latest offering dealing with how to lift one's spirits. Over Sunday and Monday, I found myself especially vexed and very upset. Prayer (even when one feels inadequate, unworthy or unwilling to approach the Throan of grace) can take one away from one's problems (even when they're delivered to our Saviour) After praying, I often let myself be still - literally just kneeling there, eyes closed, mind and thoughts quieted ('Be still and know that I am God'). This is incredible and very soothing. At the moment we're blessed with wonderful Golden Autumnal days (light, beautiful and uplifting) a walk in the afternoon can lift one's spirits. In my block, many people do well with their gardens. This offers revival even when there may not be room to garden like others. Pottering in the Veggie patch has also helped, my husband and I sowing our winter/spring modest second attempt at a crop (smile) with plenty of bulbs scattered throughout. Music, scents and the like are also uplifting. This might sound strange, but when I'm really down, getting into the washing (especially whites and laces) brightens me up; I know it sounds daft and I can't explain why, but it does.

Cooking a meal or baking also lifts my spirits (as does handspinning on the spinning wheel (sadly currently in need of a major overhaul).

Just my two cents' worth on a timely article.

Blessings,

mrs. E.

P. said...

I like mondays and mornings I like new beginings and mondays and mornings are always a new begining.
So, on monday morning I always have a happy heart filled with hope.

Anonymous said...

Dear Lady Lydia,

As always, your site provides a soothing respite from the pressures of life. The music provides just the right touch to your beautiful words.

My full-time job ended in mid-January, and I have been relishing every moment at home. It has truly been healing, and the creativity has been flowing freely. Some days, however, I do get a bit lonely or depressed. Your tips are very helpful.

I have been looking longingly at the bouquets at the grocery store lately, wanting so much to have some beautiful tulips or something to brighten up our home, but knowing the budget is tight. However, as you have pointed out, money can be put aside for these things by giving up other temporary luxuries like sodas, etc. Thank you for the advice.

Blessings to you,
Sandra <><