The last few days have been hectic ones in my house as we prepared for our first blending of Bob’s family and mine–from brunch through dinner. I’m utterly heart blasted by the love and care everyone gave to each other–from my daughter Lilly making a slide show with pictures of everybody in our “old” and “new” family to the tune of Jack Johnson’s “Everything’s Better When We’re Together” to the divine food Bob, my mom, and others made to the genuine connections.
Even all the dogs played nice.
It was the true spirit of Christmas: being our kindest, most patient selves. Tending the light in the midst of the dark. Accepting what is here now and being grateful for the miracle of love. Tender, imperfect, sweet and glorious.
And I’m exhausted. So I’m declaring today “Mini-Retreat Day” and asking you if a few hours–or even minutes–relaxing and recharging is appealing to you?
Note I did not ask if you thought it was possible to take some time alone. First connect with your desire.
- Do you desire some time alone this weekend to rest?
- Do you desire a walk alone in the woods and then some time by the fire or in the sun writing or drawing in response to, “When in the last week did I feel most alive? When did I feel least alive? What am I most grateful for? What am I ready to forgive myself for? What am I ready to celebrate myself for?”
- Do you desire a few hours to art journal or read and scribble poetry or call a friend you’ve lost touch with (I chatted with my friend Jodie, we haven’t spoken much in the last two years, today and it was wonderful.)
- Is your yoga mat calling to you? Or a novel? Or knitting? Or?
Let that desire draw you to it, let it part the waters of “But I should” or “I have to” and “But if I don’t…”
Come home to yourself this weekend, even if only for a few minutes.
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P.S. This is your last chance to get on the preferred buyer’s list and save 50% on the The Comfort During Uncertain Times Virtual Retreat: Finding Calm, Confidence and Contentment no Matter What. I’ve created a world class line up of teachers and lots of extra goodies so that you can actually make a real retreat for yourself, in the midst of your daily life, January 16th- 19th. Info here.
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12 responses so far ↓
1 shelagh Dec 27, 2008
Today I am going to dive into words! I plan on making some soup and snuggling down with some magazines and the great novel I am reading! The Idiots Guide to Enlightenment. Really fun:)
Cheers, Shelagh
2 Hiro Boga Dec 27, 2008
Ahhh, just reading your words slows my heartbeat down and opens a wider horizon.
Today I want to walk with the spirit of spaciousness.
Thank you, Jen, for this lovely reminder to come home to ourselves.
3 Kate Dec 27, 2008
I planned in advance and have a facial, massage and hair cut scheduled for this afternoon, then an evening of just relaxing.
4 Jennifer Dec 27, 2008
@shelagh and @Kate – sounds divine and aren’t you a smart one Kate for pre-planning
@Hiro – may your spirit of spaciousness flow up to my island today!
5 Jules Dec 27, 2008
Rather than rushing ourselves to get home from Christmas with family and turn back around and drive 13 hours for our move to Memphis, we opted to sleep in (til NOON!) today and give ourself an entire day to prepare for our trip and leave tomorrow.
6 patty Dec 27, 2008
you inspired me and i just planned a day trip to Kripalu tomorrow .. that’s my gift to myself.. a whole day! WOW!
7 Marisa Dec 27, 2008
Today, I am going to shun the “should” of getting bargains at the after Christmas sales. I am going to go out for a cup of tea and when I get home, I am not going to cook a huge dinner just because someone wants something besides leftovers!
8 linda woods Dec 27, 2008
I have the entire weekend to myself and am loving every second of it, especially the seconds where absolutely nothing is happening!
9 Jennifer Dec 27, 2008
@Linda that sounds yummy.
@Patti, i am so jealous! My favorite place, so much so I’m teaching two retreats there in the spring just so i can hang!
@Marisa, taking care of yourself is the ultimate bargain.
10 Sue Dec 27, 2008
Just reading your newsletter made me take some time for myself, I went to see a very spiritual friend, I took 4 hours out of my day to do this, which is really hard for me to do. We lit some candles, meditated, saged each other and prayed for her son whom is in treatment. it was a a day of renewal. Thank you for the inspiration~
11 Madi B Dec 27, 2008
Today was delicious! I gathered some old recipes for cookies and cheese straws and played in the dough all day… the best part of it all (besides sampling my creations) was the aroma that filled my house after the first batch was done. Smells like love! Here’s to many more delicious days for us all! Cheers!
12 linda marie Dec 29, 2008
Dare I feel hopeful? Or is a modicum of balance unrealistic for me?
I will try to go to bed early tonight — and maybe write a word or two in a journal.