Almost every day, Duke, my husband and I take a walk. It’s a routine we’ve followed for years, yet no matter how many times we walk the same path, something always catches Duke’s interest.
A tree trunk, a patch of grass, a hint of something in the air—he’s endlessly curious. Just because I can’t see or smell what fascinates him doesn’t mean it isn’t there. For Duke, each walk is filled with stimulation, and that’s a good reminder for me, too.
We need things in our lives that stimulate us, even in the midst of familiar routines. Over the last 176 posts, I’ve shared ideas, tips, and perspectives on a wide range of topics. Yesterday, I broke that streak for the first time, but today, I’m back, with gratitude for your feedback, which encourages me to find and share more. Like Duke on his walks, I often manage to find something interesting—even when it’s not immediately apparent.
Yet sometimes, no matter how much I search or what terms I use, I come up empty. Yesterday, for example, I started several posts but didn’t find relevant supporting links, so I just let it go. Today, however, I encountered many sources worth sharing – and that’s why you’ll see four links du jour instead of two; I’m making up for the two you missed yesterday:)
Just as Duke can sniff out the unseen, we can train ourselves to be more mindful of the things around us—whether we’re at home, at work, or out in the world.
It’s important to bring stimulation into our lives, but balance is key. Too much stimulation can lead to feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated, which is why it’s equally important to find the right amount. We can do this by observing the small details in our day-to-day routines, finding something new in what might seem like the same old, same old.
Mindfulness is a great way to infuse stimulation into our everyday lives. It helps us slow down and notice the small things that might otherwise slip by unnoticed—like the sound of leaves rustling or the subtle shift of the season in the air. Just a moment of mindfulness can add richness and spice to our daily routines without overwhelming us.
Take a page from Duke’s playbook—look a little closer, sniff out something new in the familiar, and savor the stimulation around you.
Four Links Du Jour:
The Science of Mindfulness – Mindful – Healthy Mind, Healthy Life
How Physical Activity Sharpens the Mind – Psychology Today
What is Sensory Overload? – Very Well Mind
Doing Something New is Good for You – Psychology Today
Two Minutes Du Jour 
One response to “Finding Sources of Stimulation”
Congratulations on breaking your streak!! It’s good for you (and for your readers) to take a day off from time to time. I’m sure Duke would say it is a great idea too- more time for you to walk and explore with him, instead of writing!
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