Stillness

I have to remind myself more often than I would like that it's OK to be still. To not do anything. For 10 minutes, or even, 20 minutes.

Stillness is an art I am learning more about as I attempt to pull my thoughts, creative juices and dreams together. I never realized how much in a state of business I keep myself. Lately I have been in a realm of dizzying daydreaming about incomes, future careers, and what actions to take next. Some of these thoughts are relevant, as well as necessary. However, many are just distractions from what I need to be focusing on in the present moment.

To ease the sense of overwhelm, and honestly, the sense of not progressing which is what all that busy "thinking" creates I have surrendered to stillness.

For the last few days I have striven to give myself at least 10 minutes of quiet time. This time arrives at any point in the day. Sometimes in the morning, sometimes in the afternoon while my son naps, and more often it's when I should be brushing my teeth  before bed. The only rule I have enforced is that during my quiet time I am allowed to not think about anything. In fact, I do my best to just breathe deeply and allow my body to relax.

My time for quiet and stillness has helped my ability to focus a lot. I find my actions are more directed and I achieve more worthwhile actions during the day. I welcome you to try giving yourself a little time for stillness. Perhaps, even at this very moment.


PS. My intentions are to return to this space more regularly, and I appreciate the e-mails and comments I have received in my absence. In the hopes of providing high quality content I always love to hear from you. Let me know what you would like to see more of on the pages of GoatNotes. Your feedback is always embraced lovingly. Thank you.

Gasping For Air & Meet Tucker the Turtle

 Meet Tucker the Turtle, the breathing mask my son has had to wear the last several days as he's been battling pneumonia. Our home has been transformed into small infirmary, and I have taken on the role of nurse in addition to the main source of comfort to a very uncomfortable toddler.

  Our daily rhythm has slowed down quite immensely this past week. Although we have been driving back and forth to the hospital, our typical daily happenings have basically settled into a flurry of breathing treatments, rest, slow walks around the block, and more rest.

Our Easter plans with family have been put on hold as we find ourselves in a place of holding. Breathing slowly, surely, and knowing our breath and usual pace of life will return to us soon. The situation is frightening at times, but I have never had clearer and intentional interaction with my son and family. In a way, it is it's own kind of rebirth.


Here's to a peaceful and successful recovery. Wishing you and your family peace, health, and a few quiet moments this weekend. I will see you back in this space on Monday.


XOXO,
Julia

Quiet Corners

Sometimes you just have to stop and take a breath and look around you. That's what I had to do the other day when things just got too...too much. You know, when you just feel cornered?  So, I decided to look around at some of my corners in our living room. And what did I see? Some little sections of my home that brightened my mood, made me rethink my next step, my next thought, my next action and settle myself back into my shoes, back into the Earth. Ahhhh.....

Happy Monday friends. Hope you had a brilliant weekend. Here's to a glorious and peaceful start to another busy week.