I’ve moved to a senior-focused living center in Seattle. Given my never having children, it’s a better choice to be in a more communal, senior-friendly place. There are ongoing classes, lectures, music, etc. There’s a library, a gym and an evening meal served each day in lovely surroundings. One can be as social or as independent as desired. I’m getting used to people around and appreciate being free from the responsibilities my dwelling had demanded.

Transitions, though, are stressful. I am not on automatic any more. Everything is new, even the way I turn to go into a room, the location of the computer I work on, the placement of items in cabinets. It’s easy to underestimate the toll transition of any kind takes on both the mind and body. For years, I taught daily mental training to relax the nervous system and diminish the chemistry of emotion, so I’m taking my own advice and also taking time out for things I enjoy. And, the gym gets used each day for a mile workout on a machine that works both arms and legs.

Amidst transitions or other life disruptions there is such a tendency to push through, making demands on ourselves, responding to an inner urgency to get settled into new circumstances or to solve problems faced. Reminding myself, in the voice of the therapist I was for so many years, transitions happen and take time for adjustment. Doing what I can for mind and body is critical. It will help me through the time required for the new to become the familiar.

Lives are filled with moves and other stressful challenges. Letting our minds and bodies rest amidst the chaos will result in smoother and healthier movement forward.

Seattleite Marilyn Michael grew up in the Palouse Country of Eastern Washington and is a freelance writer on eclectic subjects