Over the last few years we have begun to realize the importance of free, unstructured play for children. Pieces of time left as a white canvas for children to write their own unhindered, imaginative scripts upon.
Yet play is also essential for adults too.
While watching the movie "Babies" the other day with the girls I was amazed to observe how much time both the women and children of a Namibian tribe spent simply relaxing. Far more so than the women and children of the modern, industrial nations portrayed.
Free, unstructured, unplanned time is so important for the human spirit.
It is the soil in which creativity and relationships grow.
To be a good mother, a good wife and a good friend I also need to be good to myself.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't mean that in a narcissistic way at all.
My greatest peace, contentment and joy has emerged since I gave up on simply trying to please myself.
Knowing that really the only thing within my control is my own perspective has been transformative.
And when I first gazed into my daughter's eyes 13 years ago love caused me to overcome myself and find true joy in another persons smile.
I have even come to believe this is what Jesus means about losing your life to find it.
Yet there are some things that just flow from my spirit and give me joy. Things that nurture me so that I can pour out again and give from myself. These things also renew, refresh and clarify my perspective. That place of seeing from which my energy derives. With a good perspective I can see the path ahead clearly.
I need some time to simply be alone.
I need time for writing, reading, creating, being in nature, praying, day dreaming, beholding beauty.
These things feed my soul and give me the energy to give again.
Learning to make peace with the fact that I must pause when necessary and take drafts of my own particular soul foods is something that I've done more and more since the children have been home schooled.
I have seen how important it is to let the day bring it's own rhythm and create it's own spaces for us to simply "be".
It can be tempting in the culture of incessant doing that we live in to scribble lists and plans across these perfectly unabashed empty "spaces". But from experience I have found this to be a big mistake.
Regular breaks where we can reconnect with ourselves and one another and a free flowing embracing of the children's individual interests throughout the day has reactivated a sense of my own priorities.
Happiness is a real priority for me, not a luxury to be kept on the margins of "real life."
I have started to really see that the path I walk is carved by my own two hands and my own two feet.
This road is made up of the steps I choose to take.... Or not take.
This road could be molded only of moments sat upon the earth, barefoot and feeling the cool grass between my toes. Nothing more, and that would be enough.
Life. It's not a race, a competition or an exam. It's a becoming.
A slow awakening.
It's an embrace and a letting go all at the same time.
It's a process of learning how to let the things that truly matter come first.
My particular path is made up of things I choose to spend time on.
It is made up of the things I pick up and the things I choose to let go of.
It is made up of my thoughts.
The ones I choose to keep. Which usually means the ones that lift my heart rather than sink it.
And so I will feed my soul it's food because food = life.
I will play.
One thing I have come to realize particularly since homeschooling the girls is that my own inner energy imprints upon the days like ink on blotting paper.
The children simply soak up my attitude like sponges.
That means that maintaining my own sense of peace is so important.
The energy we generate has a direct effect on those around us and even on the world.
There is an old orthodox saying which says that if one man truly embraces the peace of God he will heal a thousand around him without even knowing it.
Only when my own soul is filled with goodness, may goodness overspill into the cupped hands of those around me.
I loved the movie "Babies"...I also noted how the lack of "labor saving devices" made for more, not less, free time. It is not that the devices themselves do not do what they were intended to do, but that their intended purpose is mainly to take care of an over-abundance of "stuff"--too many clothes, too many dishes, and so forth.
ReplyDeleteDid you notice also the lack of noise in Nambia and on the Mongolian plain? Just nature sounds. The urbanites had to "create" activities for their babies. It was enlightening.
I have reinstated "quiet time" at our house, when I can read to the kids while they draw or build with Legos or do some craft. Sometimes I knit and we listen to a book on cd. I need a bit of craft time each day to recharge my battery, too!
Lovely post!
This reminded me about something I read today about finding peace in the rhythm of the day, morning, noon, and night. And the seasons; this rhythm is a gift from God, and slows us down, and feeds us if we take notice. I say yes and amen to all you've written here. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteso beautiful and wise! Your photos are exquisite and truly express the freedom of simply being and experiencing the joy of living.
ReplyDeletelove this post...go many nuggets of wisdom in there...the unstructured play...allowing the day to find its rhythm...and just be-ing...ah...some wonderful pics as well...
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful Suzy. I relate to all that you have described. Loved that you linked to Brene Brown,too she rocks.
ReplyDeleteLife is absolutely a becoming, all the way to the end :).
Recently I was thinking about how long I've known you. Seems to me we met up in 2008. Anyway. I wish to tell you that from the very first, you have always embodied grace to me. You have consistently shown a gentleness and tenderness and teachableness. I've never seen you sarcastic or impatient or snippy. No. Quite the contrary. I'd say that goodness spills over from you quite regularly.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wise and encouraging reflection. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteKath
yes, yes, and yes!!! truly resonates, and is something i am trying to be more intentional about. it is a type of "being on guard", for there are so many things trying to derail us. thank you for the beautiful post.
ReplyDeletesteph
~Nadja, Yes it's so true, the scenes in africa and mongolia were filled with only the sounds of nature and conversation, what an interesting point!
ReplyDelete"Quiet Time" after lunch is a must for me too. Knitting, reading, creating, gardening, listening to music or simply resting, these are all learning experiences too.
~ Jodi, Yes! Rhythum is something I try to cultivate more and more, the chidlren just seem to respond so well to it.
~ Thank you Laura for the compliment and welcome :)
~ Thank you Brian! Your comment is much appreciated. Just be-ing, is just the thing sometimes isn't it :)
~ MJ, Oh I just love Brene Brown too, ever since I heard here speak at TED Houston!
~ Laure, what can I say! You are kind and beautiful to the core. The lovely comment you wrote here humbles me so. Your words and your heart are pure light :)
So glad to know you friend.
2008!!! Hey we go back :)
xx
~ Why thank you Kath. You bless me today :)
~ Steph, I know exactly what you mean about "being on guard" I'm constanly being derailed by a million different things. Coming back to the center, the true track, is something I have to be mindful of daily.
Thank you for your comment :)
I'm on a Happiness journey, too. Your blog is beautiful. I miss regular "girl" time with women friends. Now that I work full-time and have a grown child the connections I used to use are gone. Woman to woman time is important. I hope you find your rhythm. :)
ReplyDeleteoh, oh... i hungrily absorbed this. i needed this. i need to play. you don't know how you ministered to a tired soul tonight, friend. and those photos of your little ones... nearly brought me to tears. what a blessing you are to me.
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