Whenever I see this word, I think “Relocation.”

I once asked my husband what he most disliked in life, and he replied “Moving!”

When I chose journalism as my vocation, little did I think it would include transitions from New Zealand to London, Newfoundland to Montreal, Toronto to Upstate New York, and much later to Concord, MA. Moving is not high on my life’s list of most favored things to do!

However, it does have the plus-factor of leading to personal growth, to great new friendships, and to a broader view of the world.

I pen the following few words of advice in hopes it will help anyone who may be going through a move or any type of relocation.

Take time to notice similarities. For example, imagine the way the light came in your old home, and look for the same beautiful light in your new home. Sit and enjoy it. Likewise, if you liked the sounds surrounding you at your old place, tune in to the sounds in the new place. Play favorite music you enjoyed. The same with scent. Make a favorite smelling food. Boil cider. Make warm buttered popcorn.

If you had a garden, make one (this worked well for me!). If you had a bird feeder, get one! The more things you think of, the more quickly you’ll adjust! We so frequently are logging time in our heads. We need to orient and with intention to what we love and have loved, and sit quietly within our bodies to bring sensations to attention. This helps build bridges from one place to another.

It’s the poetry of living through the senses, and helps restore tranquillity and equilibrium.

One’s home is one’s nest, and anything which rebuilds the home comforts as quickly as possible is restorative.

Jennifer Masters