Space.
For me, taking space is necessary after a busy season or before one. It’s a luxury and that’s exactly what I’ve gotten to do for the last two glorious months. I whittled down my work, our homeschool and our social activities to a minimum so that I had space to be and to breathe. Being busy keeps me distracted from what’s happening inside me. After such a nice break, I feel more settled and more at peace with my own thoughts. It feels like all of me - body, mind and soul - has taken a deep, centering breath. I feel so much better. I’m still easing into work and our regular homeschool routine. Both of those things are a welcome source of joy and challenge in my life and, after a long break, I’m happy to be back. In general, I live my life at a much slower pace than many people. (At least that’s what it seems like.) I see people with full lives and busy schedules and energy that comes from being on the go and I am often a little envious but that’s just not me. I like the peace that comes with slowness, I love the way I can melt into a moment because there’s nothing else for me to do but be exactly where I am. I feel tense when I’m busy and re-energized after rest and solace. Taking a break from certain things allows my soul to take a deep breath and reach a place of calm. Of course, there are other things that inevitably fill the space that I create for myself, but I’m so glad that I have had the chance to give my attention to them because I slowed down on other things in my life. The death of a loved uncle, the birth of a precious nephew, the new life growing for our family and so many more occasions happening in the life of my family and friends are meaningful to me - these are things that I want to attend to mentally and emotionally. I couldn’t have done that if I had had a full schedule of work and school and activities. I feel grateful for the chance to reorient myself after a busy time.
2 Comments
Irene Santillanes
3/9/2022 07:30:25 pm
Sweet Ashley; you are such an inspiration in your beautiful writings. You encourage me to pen my thoughts, even if it's just a few words in my daily planner. Continue to listen to your inner voice and God's leading.
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Marci Zermeno
9/5/2024 11:33:38 pm
Your writing is so beautiful. Your intentionality in being present and available to what life brings in each day is inspiring. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Reading them makes me want to say ‘yes and amen’!!!
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