by Brandon Reed

The Monday Sweet Spot – 04/25/2016

We’ve all hit that point during a smoke, usually about half way through, in which the cigar’s flavors and aromas open up and transform the experience into something far more rich, complex, and enjoyable.

In this moment, gentlemen, you’ve hit the “sweet spot”.

A moment that encourages you to open your senses, and to truly appreciate the experience that the smoke has ushered you into.

In the same way, it’s important to take time in our lives to slow down, and open our senses to the world around us. To take notice of the good things going on and the good people doing them.

These are life’s “sweet spots”, and your Monday could use one…

Retailer Asda to Launch ‘Quiet Hour’ For Shoppers With Autism, Special Needs

A superstore in Manchester, England, is making one loud contribution to autism awareness — simply by being quiet.

The Asda Living’s Cheetham Hill branch plans to launch a “quiet hour” aimed at providing a comfortable shopping environment for those who live with autism and other disabilities.

Beginning May 7, the store will turn off all music, television displays, escalators and the announcement system from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. every Saturday.

The Cheetham Hill manager, Simon Lea, first came up with the idea after watching a young shopper with autism struggle to cope with the store’s loud sounds and bustling environment.

He explained more about the special event — and what he hopes it achieves — on his Facebook page.

“This hour is going to be tailored towards individuals with autism and any customers that are in any way disabled or have restrictive access,” he wrote. “I am trying to create a less stressful, quieter shopping experience.”

TODAY reached out to Lea for additional comment, but hasn’t yet heard back. In a blog post on Asda’s website posted earlier today, he said, “Six months ago I would have said ‘control your child’ even though I’ve got children. But speaking to people with autism and disabled people has helped me think about how I can make it a better place to shop.

“I suffered for many years with anxiety. I used to absolutely hate going into busy stores. There are a lot of people out there who have mental health issues.”

The responses on social media have been overwhelmingly positive, and many users called for other stores to follow suit.

“(This) will make a big difference for so many people,” one commenter wrote. “Hats off to you.”

This article was originally posted on today.com.

Brandon Reed
Latest posts by Brandon Reed (see all)