The rule of three is a principle that suggests a threesome of events, characters, actions or activities, is more humorous, satisfying, or effective than other numbers.
The idea may have evolved from early days of storytelling: think Three Little Pigs, Three Billy Goats Gruff, Three Blind Mice, Three Muskateers, or Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
In modern times, we can still use the power of three to simplify, provide balance, and enable action that, over time, can turn into habit. In the meantime, Goldilocks would be among the first to point out — it’s cold outside! With frigid temps, it can be difficult to warm up on the inside. Have you ever had that inner chill you can’t get rid of?
Here are a trio of simple suggestions that, as Goldi would say, may be just right:
- Make yourself a warm drink. Coffee, tea, hot toddy or cocoa — even soup or broth.
- Keep your feet warm with socks and slippers, and your neck warm with scarves. When it’s super-cold out, socks are not enough. Shearling boots start with the feet and get your whole body warm in minutes — even the inexpensive boots will do the job when you’re in the house. Keep your neck warm: find a favorite scarf and wear it indoors. Even a light cotton scarf around the back of your neck will do the trick.
- Do you have a heating pad? Use it on your upper back, chest, or feet. It takes the chill right out and is less expensive then putting the heat up higher. Available at most grocery stores and pharmacies (as are hot-water bottles), they’re an affordable way to bring heat to your body quickly, like a warm hug.
Sure, you know that a warm drink, lined booties and a soft scarf are each helpful to drink and wear on a cold day. Try all three together, and it may just warm your heart.
Have an idea for three? Let us know!
“A pattern can be called a pattern only if it has been applied to a real world solution at least three times.”
Lisa Wobler teaches yoga and owns Yosemite Dreams.
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