My calendar is empty. I have no to do list.
I won’t be on a phone call with a group I meet with every other week or doing a training a client is offering.
I won’t be Christmas shopping or editing a chapter or paying bills.
And I won’t be online. Emails will wait. Facebook with chatter on without me.
On December 17, I’ll let the quiet settle around me. Settle within me.
I’ll take care of my girls. I’ll be with my family. I’ll be kind to myself. I might walk or read or write a letter. I might work on the needle-felted turtle I’m making for my niece, not because I need to get it done, but because the process is soothing. I’ll see what I’m moved to do.
I leave this day open every year. In the middle of all the bustle and festivities and end of the year wrap up, I make space.
I make space to remember and to sit with what ever emotions come. The emotions are hard, but that space, that quiet is beautiful.
You should try it.
Go ahead. Take a day. Let go of your “should do” list. Shut down the computer. Turn off your phone. Let things wait. Move slowly. Go outside. Soak up the sunshine no matter how weak or trace patterns in the stars. Breathe deep. Walk. Sit by the fire. Do what feels comfortable or comforting.
Let in quiet and stillness and peace.
I have been thinking about you all day. Silence and space is beautiful.
Thank you so much, Hannelene.
What a completely lovely idea! I’ve recently set an alarm on my phone for 12pm every day as a reminder to stop, take a deep breath, and give myself a moment to pray and it’s been so wonderful. I loveloveLOVE the idea of taking “off” an entire day – actually blocking it off on my calendar as a way to give myself a “pause” in the advent season.
xox
giedre
Nice daily practice, Giedre. It helps to have the reminder. Hope you are able to block of a day. I find it particularly useful this time of year, but really any time!
I feel inspired! I looked at my calendar and I have nothing on it tomorrow (very odd). So, I am going to give mySELF a gift of space and stillness. Perhaps I will set aside 2-3 hours. My kids will be at school and it’s the last day before winter break…it sounds so juicy and decadent to have 2-3 hours of space and stillness. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hope you enjoyed your time, Deb!
Thanks for a beautiful reminder. I hope your space was all you needed it to be.
<3
I have been able to enjoy some stillness and spontaneity while traveling with my family. What a blessing! Feels so different from the usual go-go-go, do-do-do of regular life.
Now if you can just bring a little of that stillness/spontaneity back with you : )