Time to Pause

Flashback Summer:  Time to Pause

This post is goin' deep and real today.

I don't know about you, but my life has been busy lately.  Like this whole school year.  With the addition of my new position as an RA and involvement in other things, I oftentimes feel like I'm going all the time without much recuperation.

Our modern society likes to make us think that's normal, doesn't it? It didn't used to be that way.  I can't necessarily speak for other countries and cultures, but I know that in America down time isn't always a respected thing these days.  It's better to be busy, to be productive, to look involved, to seem as if you can effortlessly juggle fifty things with Wonder Woman-like effectiveness.

But how long do we think that will last?  We aren't made to run forever.

Flashback Summer:  Time to Pause

Knowing that, I'm taking extra steps to slow my life down when I can, to put priorities on the important things in my life and to let myself rejuvenate so I can continue to pour out what I have to others.  For me, this means that I'm putting extra emphasis on spending time with God daily, reading the Bible and talking to God about it, just feeling the peace that comes from being around him.  This kind of spiritual rest brings me more rejuvenation than any other thing in the world, bar none!

Flashback Summer:  Time to Pause

Today, specifically, I also took time to journal, wear my fuzzy slippers, eat some delicious soup, and sit at my table, look out my window, and listen to the rain.  Just to sit and enjoy the stillness (rare in a dorm).  My crafting endeavors have also been more frequent, because they're one of those life-giving things for me.

What do you think of the way that modern society pushes busyness?  How do you feel about your current life pace?  What sorts of things are "life-giving" for you and help you relax and rejuvenate?  What things do you want to put more priority and focus on this year?

5 comments

  1. EM! I am SO GLAD that you ALREADY understand the value of "retreat" and "rest". It took me many years of burning the candle at both ends...(having bought into the cultural lie that productivity equals worth/value) and now I KNOW that I must have time AWAY from the everyday obligations...away from people, away from NOISE to recharge MY batteries. Solitude and Silence rejuvenate and restore my creativity, peace, faith and gives me clarity and direction.

    I have written about Silent Retreats on my monk blog here: http://thecontemporarymonk.blogspot.com/2011/03/simplicity-solitude-and-silence-weekend.html

    I haven't posted our most recent retreat...which your darling sister (and photographer) Aria attended. Will send a link as soon as it's up!

    So good to see you taking care of you: mind, body AND spirit!

    love, love!

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    1. That sounds like it was fun! I look forward to seeing it!

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    2. Fun? Rejuvenating? Enlightening? Are silent monk retreats supposed to be "fun", haha?

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  2. As a college freshman, I'm dealing with the front end of a lot of what you're talking about! Between juggling friends, work, rehearsals, and my boyfriend, even sleep falls between the cracks, let alone relaxation. And I simultaneously love the balancing act, because I love everything I'm involved in and the people I'm involved with, and hate it, because it doesn't give a lot of time to breathe.
    I've started doing my reading sitting on my windowsill with a cup of tea now, listening to the rain, and it's just a wonderful feeling! Much better compared to stressing out. :) Best of luck with your recuperation!

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    1. Reading in a windowsill with a cup of tea sounds AMAZING! What an awesome way to cope, I think! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Lisa!

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