Our lives can be stressful. We have deadlines at work. Families who need our attention. Bills that need to be paid. Medical appointments that need to be kept. Old friends we want to contact. Exercise goals that we want to accomplish. And traffic jams.

If New York City has taught me anything it is that in order to support my ambitions I must also find balance. Sure, that sounds like a line straight out of the film, “Eat Pray Love,” which I did see last evening and quite enjoyed, but the theme of balance is crucial to overcoming the harmful effects of stress.

Mary Roach, author of “Packing For Mars” quotes a Russian psychologist to astronauts as follows:

‘The human organism is built for tension and relaxation, work and sleep. The principle of life is rhythm”.

So, today, I encourage you to take some time out of the hustle and bustle, slow down, and breathe… if only for a moment.

Try to sneak away from your obligations for an hour if you can. Here are a couple of suggestions for quiet spaces in NYC.

1. The Meditation Room at The New York Open Center (22 E. 30th St. NY, NY at 5th Ave): You can meditate for as long as you wish in this cool, beautifully decorated room with ancient relics and decorative meditation pillows. You may light a candle and dim the lights as well.

2. The Duck Pond at Central Park (located at the Southeast entrance by the Central Park Zoo, walk under the bridge and up a few steps to the left. See Pond on Central Park Map: http://www.centralparknyc.org/maps/). This nature-filled getaway is a living painting complete with floating ducks, blooming flowers, and an ivy covered bridge.

3. And if you absolutely cannot get away from your duties at home or work, or if you don’t live anywhere near NYC, please enjoy the following created by Greg Slawson at GCC Creative Studios.

This beautiful video is titled “Autumn Spirit” underscored by the music of Debussy. It’s a perfect homage to Autumn and the transitions in our own lives. A nice reminder to slow down and notice the subtle details surrounding us.

Click here for ‘Autumn Spirit’.
You can find additional nature soundscape videos by Greg at http://www.GCCreativeStudio.com and http://www.YouTube.com/GCCreativeVideos

Happy September, everyone!