It feels good to be back here with you after my summer mode break. Although I'm still
getting my bearings I highly recommend switching into a slower pace for a while when you can. I'm gearing up for a pretty busy July and August work wise so I am extra glad I let myself have some lazy days to loll about.
Here are few of the things
discovered, and remembered, while lolling. I hope you enjoy them, and your own bit of lolling about.
1. "Lolling about" is my new favorite phrase and creative support. As
much as I advocate for slowing down, resting, rejecting the demand to be productive all the time, I struggle to let myself truly relax and just loll, laze, repose, take it easy, put my feet up, flop... Great words, huh? I love a good thesaurus to shed some light on the nuances of words.
How much lolling about time do you have?
daydreaming, world
savoring
2.
Integration,
inspiration, creativity, rejuvenation need rest. They need open space and time. It is easy to think we need to get away to find this, a grand vacation or extravagant spa day, and these can be wonderful, but deep rest must also be found in the midst of day to day living. Tiny moments absolutely count, and is often what is available in busy living.
play with shadows, capture light
3. Cultivate a habit of lolling.
In allowing rest and rejuvenation, I discovered and re-learned that free time is not
the same as rest. I can usually swing a good amount of free time, but I don't often truly rest.
I felt the difference over my birthday week when my gift to myself was to deeply rest. Not just sleep kind of rest,
although my napping was glorious, but the kind of rest that happens when mental space is opened up and nature is included, when curiosity can wonder and expectations are released. I didn't give myself enough time.
I've
already blocked out time in September for another break and am watching how much I can let go of as I enter into a demanding period of time. My guide is embracing what I might usually label as "being lazy". This is not about doing nothing (unless it is) or shirking responsibility but allowing for enjoyment and spaciousness of being.
tree wisdom, taking space
4.
Lolling requires letting go and finding the slow river of time instead of the rushing rapids of it. It is meandering space and relaxed eyes. It is valuing the savoring, the sensuality of living.
nursery magic, hydranga glory
5.
A blessing for your week:
(from I am a Queen oracle cards by Outi Harma)
May you unapologetically bestow your unique gifts, quirks, and talents in this world that so desperately longs for them.
