I started to feel anxious. I wondered if others were feeling the same way. I looked around. It
seemed like I was the only one. On board the M.V. Destiny this morning in Bermuda I figured something out; relaxing is learned. It is not an innate ability. Some times our lives are so filled with going and moving that we forget to just relax and enjoy the tranquility. For one hour and a half today, I didn’t need to be doing “something”. I just relaxed. It may have taken me a few extra minutes, but I got there. It was liberating. We departed Albouy’s Point on the M.V. Destiny for a tour of Hamilton Harbor at 8:30 am and returned at 10:00 am. For that 1.5 hours, I learned to relax.
We were hosted aboard an elegant 78 foot motor boat by Captain Cookie Brown. Chilling out on the upper deck, I enjoyed the morning sunshine. Snapping a few photos was about the extent of my stress.
While others asked questions, chatted, and listened to the interesting stories of the captain, I tuned out. I can’t tell you about the history of pirates or why many of the homes have “moon” arches or something like that. I can’t explain the Bermuda Triangle or tell you one famous person that lives along the harbor in Bermuda. What I can tell you is that if you come to Bermuda and take a ride on the M.V. Destiny you won’t care about any of those things… at that moment. The bright, golden sunshine, the sparkling waters, and the calming ocean waves can actually teach you how to relax, a pretty good lesson for an hour and a half of teaching.
Bucket List Publications 
Gorgeous photos, Lesley. I came across an article that talks of busyness, which goes with learned relaxing:
http://campariandsofa.com/2013/04/08/doing-more-only-to-do-less-do-we-glorify-busy/
Congrats on making it VERY far in the BBB contest.
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I took one day to be disappointed about the MyBBB contest and then I moved on. Thank you for the encouragement. I do feel like many other things were accomplished by entering the contest so it’s not too upsetting.
🙂
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Oh, I wish it was, lol. Perhaps I’d actually do it more often.
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I’m pretty sure for me relaxation isn’t learned, but I definitely know others that can’t do it no matter how hard they try.
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I’m working on the three deep breaths a day… definitely learned! After the events of this week, relaxation would be welcome right now. 🙂
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If you ever want to chat, send me a more personal email at [email protected].com
I feel like you’ve always been such a strong supporter so I’d be happy to lead an ear 🙂
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Thanks Lesley. Have always enjoyed chatting with you. 🙂 Just referring to the events in Boston… my home town. Just posted on my blog; it was quite a week!
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It has been a difficult week for everyone in Boston and my thoughts have been/are with you.
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Thanks! But Bermuda is a great place to escape it all. 😉
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The moon arches are an architectural element borrowed from the Chinese, they are simply an inviting entrance way to a garden and are thought to bring good luck to newlyweds….Bermuda has some fabulous arches across the island, especially those with pomegranates draped across them in the summer…
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Thank you! I feel even more accomplished today. I totally took some “me” time on the boat and I still earned about the arches 😉
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They’re actually called “moongates”. And yes, it’s considered good luck for a couple to step through a moongate immediately after being married. You’ll find them all over Bermuda.
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Yes, they are Moon Gates…I used the word arches to suit Lesley’s comment….They are truly beautiful….one of my favorite things in Bermuda….
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Those photographs look amazing! Sure makes me want to check out the Bermuda some day ..
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Sometimes a few deep breathes is a good way to start, closing the eyes and listen to the wind, if that doesn’t work, then try all three together.
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Great Article! If someone hasn’t already told you this then I’d like the opportunity to tell you… You are living life to its FULLEST. You really are an inspiration to me and one day I aspire to travel the world just like you 🙂
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That made my day! Thank you! Encouragement is always… encouraged and appreciated 😉
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Sounds lovely and glad you relaxed!
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It is hard for me to relax, but I am working in it. I am slowly separating myself from my phone, and the constant need to be doing something. I think I have always felt I had to be doing something to be productive. I am now learning more production can come from relaxing and not doing anything but being happy in the moment.
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I am going to practice my relaxing next week on the Ruby Princess in the Eastern Caribbean!
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Sounds exciting! Which countries to do you get to see?
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I am so lucky for my job is to help people book in their dream cruise vacations to do exactly what you did in the post, namely relax. I hope you didn’t forget to grab a handful of pink sands to remind you to take a deep relaxing breath.
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Being able to enjoy the moment and relax in it is fabulous. I can so relate to ending a tour like that and having someone ask me details and be like “What?” because I just tuned out and enjoyed the view!
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Really loving the photos!
I try to take advantage of opportunities to relax, even if it’s just for a short time.
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I totally agree with you. I am the kind of person who is always on the move, and oftentimes when I try to relax I feel guilty for not “doing something with my time.” It’s a skill I am still learning, but I am glad you were able to sit back and enjoy your time in such a beautiful place!
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Pingback: Bermuda, A Different World – A Little Paradise | 1 Life 196Countries
Love the sentiment behind this! So often we pack our lives full of activities. Every moment is scheduled as though that’s the only way to live to the fullest. But relaxing should definitely be part of enjoying life and this post highlights that. [They also remind me that I need to get back to the water!] Thanks for sharing your experience and these great photos!
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I also agree with you. Relaxing is a Skill. When I get stressed taking a few deep breaths really help. Beautiful pictures and really enjoy reading your blog. Makes me feel like I am there 🙂
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I so agree. After I work hard for a week, it is hard to unwind. Your pictures are wonderful as always.
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I think it is the opposite. Relaxing is innate, we just forget it when we grow up. That’s why babies are so carefree… No stress 🙂
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Relaxing here in Boston – after the capture of the Marathon bomber! But typically relaxing is not an easy thing for me…my brain is always flying a million miles a minute, but once in the midst of all sorts of mayhem, the family had me aboard an Essex River Cruise for my father-in-law’s birthday http://www.essexcruises.com/ We cruised through coastal towns and beaches all the way out to the sea here in Massachusetts and I found my breathing had slowed and I was relaxing. I was a little stunned, just the realization that other people feel like this a lot.The kids may have been bored (what teens aren’t), but I was hypnotized and enchanted.And there was no getting off the boat for a couple of hours so I sunk right in and even stopped trying to take photographs…now that’s relaxed….
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I think it depends on what your definition of “learned” is. In many cultures, like here in Spain, relaxing is part of the culture. There is no “hurry up and wait” attitude here. They have siesta hour (or two or three) mid-day for the folks to eat a healthy meal and have time to digest it in a healthy way. In the evening about 7-8 pm the whole town comes alive with young and old alike coming out to cafes and bars for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and to talk for an hour or two with friends.
They know how to relax in Spain. It is part of their culture. I think it is more nurtred here. In the US we are always hustling and bustling so yes, we need to learn how to relax.
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Relaxing is hard! I can barely make it two days of our annual beach trip before I’m bored with sitting on the sand and reading. Gotta get moving. Something’s wrong with that picture! http://ohtheplaceswesee.com
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Awesome Photos Les, Relaxing,, Hmmm.. Maybe we can relax even inside a busy train or anywhere just to think about how lucky we are that we can still do things that we love and we have still the people we love around us and maybe daydream on things that would help us be motivated a bit, even a little…
Take care and Bless us les,
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Good for you!! I had to learn to relax. Still have to force myself some days. Enjoy. xo
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So nice! ❤
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For some, relaxing is a foreign concept. In a “go-go-go” world, it seems out of place. Not for me. I love to relax when the situation arises. 🙂
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How amazingly beautiful. I love the pictures. And you are absolutely right, relaxing is learned. And you had the best teacher, nature.
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Very cool. Yoga taught me how to be in the moment, and it’s truly a life skill that you have to think about doing. There are way too many distractions in our world today, and all I know is that I’m happiest when all I’m thinking about is what I’m doing right there and then. Great post!
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Relaxation is a practice, Lesley. One we forget to practice! Glad you’re having a wonderful time!
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I completely understand the making yourself relax. I’ve always thought that I was relaxed until my boyfriend and a couple of my friends pointed out that I was never relaxed. My face was always tense and I was always thinking about something. This post is really inspiring and reminds me to relax more often.
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This is Ironic but true! We have to work at relaxing! Great Blog!
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Total relaxation is so difficult with all the technology we have at our fingertips these days. I need to learn relaxation and to just be present in the here and now. Thanks for the reminder!
Denise
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Beauty photos and very relaxing 🙂
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Dearest Lesley! Relaxing is most assuredly innate (just ask me, or my cat, or my friends) and you do indeed appear to be in an “innate state” in those fabulous photos. Loved the glimpse and I daresay your readers are quite happy to be privy to your latest adventure (relaxed or not) after a harrowing week on the global scene. Brava, intrepid explorer!
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Relaxing is important. Whether it’s innate or not if you don’t relax your body will do it for you. DON’T let your body do it for you.
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Relaxing is definitely something that is learned. Unfortunately it doesn’t come natural to us. I personally struggle with it sometimes because life gets so hectic and I feel like I don’t have enough time in the day to get done with everything I need to do. I enjoyed your post and its nice to know I am not the only woman who struggles with the same problem.
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Just breathing can be such a luxury … sometimes.
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hmmmm. I relate to this post. Deeply. I can’t remember far enough back to know, though, if I was able to relax before I had my two kids… I’m happy for you, love.
xx
angela
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Yes, in this hustle bustle world of To Do’s it’s a sad truth that we have to re-learn how to relax. But thank God we do re-learn it, because it’s so important to step back and live in the moment when we can.
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It’s definitely not an innate ability – I’m rubbish at relaxing. Whenever I try to, I keep thinking of all the things I should be doing. I reckon I need a trip to Bermuda and then I could have a good go at learning the lesson! Beautiful pictures – super envious!
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I’m chilled out just reading this:)
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It took me a long time to learn how to relax. Now…it’s please don’t bother me.
Calm water and a smooth boat, God’s wondrous work are soothing to the soul. Glad you were able to relax.
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Hi Lesley – these are wonderful photos! I enjoyed them. You are right – every moment of the day is filled with either doing something or thinking about doing something. But I must say – once I’ve relocated and I’m facing a beautiful beach, it doesn’t take much from there. Do stop by again.
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Your pictures are lovely. At times I must concentrate in order to relax. Though, I don’t think it would take me too long to settle down and relax on board the M.V. Destiny.
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I know what you mean! I even turned my “relaxing hobby” into work with my blog. We all need time to really just do nothing.
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Great pics! Yup… I’ve had that ancy feeling many times. Was soooo nice to be able to slow down and smell the roses.
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Loved the pictures. Relaxing is important since, as you probably know, stress causes all kinds of medical problems. I wish I were there.
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Nice pictures! I enjoyed this post…. I agree, relaxing is learned… And it can be a gift 🙂 it is worth it to just pause and savor the view, the moment… Life 🙂
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Ahhhh….it’s almost like being there! 🙂
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