Laurie Klein, Scribe

immerse in God, emerge refreshed

  • About
  • Books
  • Blog
    • Small Wonders
    • Soul Mimosas
    • Springboards
    • Wellsprings
    • BiblioDiva
  • Reveries
  • Links
  • Contact
  • Press Kit
  • Playlist

Alternatives: Shoehorn Rejuvenation Method

by Laurie Klein 10 Chiming In

ALTERNATIVES, noun, definition:

1:  options, choices, other possibilities.
2:  existing or functioning outside the established cultural, social, or economic system

Day after day, exponential rain. Multiple weekly appointments, and miles logged. Then the waiting. Driving again. More rain.

Aerobic walks? Postponed. Eventually shelved. Rehab for Dreamer (and chauffeur) is time-intensive.

And something’s missing . . .

During a recent support group meeting for heart procedure survivors the leader mentions PTSD affects caregivers, too.

I’m drawn to a different acronym: NDD, or Nature-deficit Disorder.

According to Richard Louv (The Nature Principle), our culture’s excessive electronic connectivity is supplanting recreational time spent outdoors, causing widespread “atrophied awareness, a diminished ability to find meaning in the life that surrounds us, whatever form it takes.”*

What if spending too much time in the car, or cubicle, or waiting room has the same effect?

Alternatives: a matter of spelling

Three times a week Dreamer works the treadmill at Rehab. I watch that continuous loop, and fatigue cracks open an old fear: I feel stalled again, set aside, my sense of wonder displaced. Going, going . . . and getting nowhere.

Alternative Altar

Someone said “nowhere”—with the addition of one slender space—becomes “now here.”

One slender pause—a breath, a hum, a stretch—beckons us toward rest. Presence. Re-calibration.

I resolve to shoehorn all 3 into even the busiest day. “Be still and know that I am God” may echo deep within.

Then hyper-adrenalized compassion stops thrusting me forward; instead, trust carries me inward. I remember God is sovereign. And I regroup. Reset.

And a dash of DIY Creation Therapy can’t hurt. Because weather and schedules curtail stalking wonder outdoors, I revisit my photo archives.

Alternatives: Taking Oneself Lightly

Hildegard of Bingen, the 12th century artist/composer/visionary, is said to have survived her thorny times by living as if she were “a feather on the breath of God.”

I like to think she took herself lightly.

Taking oneself lightly: relaxation breathing

Dr. Andrew Weil teaches an easy breathing technique (which benefits multiple systems of the body). It’s great preparation for sleeping. It’s also effective during commutes, waiting in lines, even pumping gas.

Directions below. Alternatively, learn more here

4-7-8 Breathing Exercise

  • Exhale as much air as you can with a big whoosh
  • Place tongue behind upper teeth, inhale quietly to an easy count of 4
  • Hold breath for a count of 7
  • Exhale audibly for a count of 8
  • Do this exercise 4 times. (As it becomes easier, increase to no more than  8 repetitions, twice a day.)

Alternatives: armchair field trip

When a dear friend emails this video link for his newly recorded soundtrack, I ask his permission to share it with you. The music and images transport me on yet another demanding, gully-washer day.

VIDEO: Click once for wonder

Clean Air: In the Flow of the Spirit

lauriekleinscribe logo

“In the Flow of the Spirit,” from Clean Air, by Robert Weston, arranged by Peter Richards

*I learned about Nature-deficit Disorder in Wonderstruck, by Margaret Feinberg.

Catch up on our ongoing Open Heart Adventure here: and here:

Filed Under: Immersions Tagged With: alternatives, Nature Deficit Disorder, rejuvenation, Weil breathing technique, wonder May 17, 2017

Please Chime In... Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Please Chime In...

  1. Jody Collins says

    May 20, 2017 at 11:03 am

    The God who is “now here”; praise Him for that, even in rehab. Thank you for sharing your alternatives with us, Laurie, especially the breathing exercise and video.
    All the best to you and Mr Bill.

    Reply
    • Laurie Klein says

      May 20, 2017 at 11:15 am

      Jody, I’m smiling over that first independent clause. I hadn’t extended it that direction and will now walk in the strength of this all day. I’m glad you enjoyed the video and breathing exercise. Sending all the best your way as well, friend!

      Reply
  2. Nancy Ruegg says

    May 18, 2017 at 2:15 pm

    Ah, Laurie, what delightful ways you’ve discovered to rest and rejuvenate when Outdoor Therapy is impossible. Being the terrific photographer you are, your archives must be overflowing with inspiring images! I have to rely on a book, Prayers through the Seasons, by Deborah Kaiser-Cross, with photos by David Middleton. The poetic words and breath-taking pictures do minister restoration. ‘Love the video of flowing water tumbling over rocks, accompanied by peaceful music. So glad your friend allowed you to share.!

    Reply
    • Laurie Klein says

      May 18, 2017 at 5:56 pm

      Nancy, thanks for the kind words about my photos. And for mentioning that book by Kaiser-Cross. I’m going to see if our library can get a copy. It sounds wonderful!

      Reply
      • Nancy Ruegg says

        May 20, 2017 at 2:09 pm

        Further info for tracking the book: It was published by Radiant River Press in St. Charles, IL, 2001. I think you’d find restoration in its pages too!

        Reply
        • Laurie Klein says

          May 20, 2017 at 2:19 pm

          Nancy, thank you! My library emailed me today to say they’re searching for a copy, may even buy one, in which case, many will benefit from your discovery. I’m really looking forward to browsing its pages. Happy weekend to you!

          Reply
  3. Katherine says

    May 18, 2017 at 1:23 pm

    Oh thank you! I too hear the invitation.
    Massive hugs dear girl!

    Reply
    • Laurie Klein says

      May 18, 2017 at 5:53 pm

      Katherine, happily absorbing the thought of those hugs. Thank you! Hope you can get out into beautiful scenery soon!

      Reply
  4. Sarah B says

    May 17, 2017 at 8:07 pm

    Laurie, this post resonates so deeply with where I find myself these days. Thank you for being vulnerable with your experience so that we can breathe along with you.
    “Then hyper-adrenalized compassion stops thrusting me forward; instead, trust carries me inward.” Yes. That’ll preach.
    May you find some much needed nature therapy. (the boys and I started watching a PBS series called ‘Plants Behaving Badly’ narrated by David Attenborough {aka my boyfriend}. Some gorgeous nature photography)

    Reply
    • Laurie Klein says

      May 17, 2017 at 8:32 pm

      Sarah, I’m savoring the indescribable comfort of friends like you breathing alongside me. Recognizing the terrain and grappling with the mysteries of mercy. Thank you. That inward/outward dance has such tricky steps. May we each follow His lead.

      That PBS series with the incomparable Mr. A. sounds witty and delicious, entertaining (and maybe a little shocking?) as well as educational. Bet I’d love it.

      Reply
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • RSS

Subscribe

Please enter your email address below to receive emails from Laurie twice a month.

Your information is safe with me. I will never spam you. Read my privacy policy here.

Hi, I’m Laurie.

  • Scribe for wonder
  • Contemplative author/artist
  • Reader/performer/speaker
  • Imagination maven
  • Biblio*Diva
  • Expert on chocolate raisins
  • Click here to read more.

House of 49 Doors: Entries in a Life

House of 49 Doors: Entries in a Life
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
House of 49 Doors: Entries in a Life
Buy now!

Where the Sky Opens, a Partial Cosmography

Where the Sky Opens, a Partial Cosmography
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Where the Sky Opens, a Partial Cosmography
Buy now!

Recent Posts

  • Runaway
  • Wholehearted Lent
  • Listening to You Breathe
  • Epiphany
  • Black Sheep: Between Noels, Part IV

Categories

  • BiblioDiva
  • Immersions
  • Small Wonders
  • Soul Mimosas
  • Springboards
  • Wellsprings

Tags

adoption adventure attention Beauty blessing Blues change chosen contemplative delight disappointment disconnect double-take emergence feast Gift grace gratitude hope joy largesse light longing love Magi music nest pain peace pearls possibility prayer Risk shelf life soundings space star surrender Time transformation truth waiting wonder worry yes

Copyright © 2025 Laurie Klein, Scribe Laurie Klein, Scribe All Rights Reserved Laurie Klein, Scribe Privacy Policy