Contributed by Evey Brown

“In Xanadu did Kubla Khan, a stately pleasure dome decree…”  In this poem we see that even the mighty Kubla Khan needed to take a break from conquering the world to relax.  The same is true for us, in the midst of personal growth, there must be pauses to rest.  There must be places to meditate, look inward and catch our breath before more progress can be accomplished. I am suggesting you find a small place in your home where you can build your own Xanadu.

When you close your eyes and imagine a perfect spot, where are you?  In a fairyland meadow, at the beach, or maybe Grandma’s kitchen table?  Can you relax and just for a moment forget the cares of the moment and center?  Then you’re off to a great start.  Let’s build one together.

Your own personal ‘pleasure dome’ could be something as grand as a whole room, or as small as your bedside table. A window sill or your half of the bathroom counter would fit the bill nicely too.  I suggest you fill it with objects that help take you there through your five senses.

First, Touch.  A lace doily, a strip of satin, a woven placemat of jute.  Or maybe you would prefer some faux fur?  Imagine touching it, stroking it, does it take you to that happy place?  Driftwood worn smooth by the waves, the pearly sheen of the inside of a seashell with the gritty outside for contrast would give you double the tactile stimulation.   I suggest finding these items at the dollar store, a quick trip to goodwill  or maybe you have something already.  I found an out of style velvet skirt for four dollars and turned it into a table runner. There is no reason to spend a lot of money on this.

Second, Sight.  Have you or a loved one sketched a favored drawing?  Maybe that Christmas card from Aunt Sue with the snow falling around a cabin.  Or you found the perfect sunset online.  Frame it, and choose a frame that elevates the scene.  The dollar shop has a nice selection for, you guessed it, a dollar.  You could double down and match it to your touch item.  I have a picture of my Grandma Etta on my strip of velvet.  She always had a red velvet table runner on her windowsill.

Third, Sound.  Can you hear the ocean in that seashell? Maybe a small wind chime that tinkles when you touch it.  You could use a crystal bell, a metronome, or the sound of your purring (or snoring) cat at your feet.  Don’t forget technology; download an app that could help you find the sounds of rain, ocean waves or soothing music.  My Grandma Etta’s house was seldom quiet but when it was, the sound of her heavy wooden mantle clock was special to me.  The dependable ticks, the Westminster Chime that went off on the hour sounds like peace to me.

Fourth, Smell.  This one is as easy as buying a candle, a wax warmer or incense.  There are air diffusers, sprays, and essential oils.  My favorite option though is breaking out a package of cookie dough and tossing it in the oven.  Nothing is better in my experience than chocolate chips and vanilla in real time.

Which brings us to the fifth sense, Taste. When my cookie dough is done, I can eat it too. Make a plan to have something that tastes like your personal Xanadu in your cupboard.  Lemonade for the beach, hot chocolate if you are going for the Christmas vibes, and sweet tea would fit nicely into an outdoor garden theme.  What was your favorite food as a child?  Banana slices in red jello?  Chocolate pudding?  Grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup when it rained?  My grandma had Worthers candy.  Why not add your fifth sense and a little nostalgia into your escape from stress?

In the long run you may only spend five or ten minutes relaxing in your personal ‘pleasure dome’ at a time; but that break, that rest will make your continuing efforts to grow and improve yourself easier to continue.  I know it has worked for me.