These days, in the midst of COVID-19 stay at home, it’s the simple pleasures that matter most. An unusual bird at the feeder. A glimpse of the sea. A pretty sunset. New potted plants. A delicious birthday dinner. Video chat with family. And always the thing I love to savor most – being outdoors. Tea on the back deck. Sitting by the not-yet-open pool to bask in the sun or talk on the phone with an old friend. It’s always a good time to slow down.
BE HERE NOW.
Grace upon grace.
My favorite spot to sit in the early morning sunshine.
It’s been almost three years since my dad died, and today I walked into his workshop for the first time in many months. I was immediately assailed by the smell of sawdust, so pervasive, even after all this time. I was instantly transported back to seeing my dad at work in his shop through the years. My dad had a strong work ethic and loved to make things. The large wood shop still retains its essence with tools, wood, and bits of projects lying around. It has a strong sense of place. My dad was continually building things and gave me a love for all things architectural as we wandered through houses under construction including his custom retirement home being built.
My dad’s workshop
I hope to learn more woodworking skills and carry on dad’s legacy and make use of his wonderful wood shop.
I am blessed to have a number of his handmade pieces in my home, but the one that I treasure most is one that he and I did together.
Chart table with inlay
I have so many great memories of my dad who taught me the value of hard work and taking pride in creating beautiful things.
Taking daily walks with my 85 year old mother while I stay with her for a few weeks. She has walked daily since she was about 50. Her walks are shorter now and her pace has slowed, but she still keeps at it. I hope to be as energetic when I am her age. She takes care of her home, cooking, shopping, laundry, her personal affairs, keeping up with reading the NYTimes, and small projects around the house. Today she put up the bird feeder for the goldfinches having recently arrived back at her summer home in New England.
Splashing through tide water.
Here she is last summer with her granddaughter, undaunted by having to walk through the water to reach the beach. Her fortitude and spirit are enviable.
I first learned about the concept of daily rituals from Michael Hyatt who writes about productivity and success in work and life. I first adopted the concept of morning and evening rituals and workday startup and shutdown rituals when I adopted the Full Focus Planner about 2 1/2 years ago. I’ve long been a fan of a daily planner, but this is the best I’ve ever used and includes a whole system for goals, productivity, and short and long term planning.
I made my rituals into a bookmark which I kept in my planner and used as a checklist.
I’ve made most of these rituals into habits and they are a helpful way to frame my days.
I hope the power of rituals might help you to feel more organized and in control of your days.
As I was thinking about how to share this, I did a quick Google search and found several helpful articles on daily rituals and thought I would share them here.
Stan Gaede, professor at Gordon College writes in Stillpoint magazine, “Learning is enjoyable because that’s how we were created. Becoming a certain kind of person is good, because it improves one’s own life and the lives of others. Fully exercising one’s gifts is delightful because it delights the giver.”
I have an insatiable thirst for knowledge; I love to learn. I am constantly reading, taking classes, and soaking up ideas. My interests are broad and varied. I read about adventure, watercolor painting, psychogeography, leadership, higher education, faith, nature, history, biographies, and more – plus lots of fiction (mysteries, crime dramas, historical fiction, and I confess, romance). I listen to podcasts and read online news. I like to try new things and stretch my mental and creative faculties. Learning is stimulation. I pray I never stop learning, no matter my age. The brain is a fascinating thing – always growing – and so capable of so many things.
It’s the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and we are all in our own homes. I’m watching church online as has become the new norm. Our church hosts services Sunday morning with music and message and the church leadership has adapted creatively to the ‘stay at home’ lifestyle we are all experiencing. It makes us feel a little more connected when we can at least see our pastors and worship leaders.
Today’s message was entitled “Songs for the Journey” and focused on how God is our Shepherd from Psalm 23. We were also encouraged to practice prayer walks and meditate on the Names of God. We also have a weekly community group via zoom where we talk about the week’s message and about how our faith is growing. I’m thankful for these ways to stay connected and keep growing my faith.
Reflections captured on my daily walk along the river on the way to work. Love the few minutes of time outdoors and enjoying weather and the views as I walk in to start my day at work.
Kat gave me a bracelet last year engraved with “Healing comes in waves.” It’s both a metaphor and a truism. Healing is gradual, in fits and starts. Whether physical or emotional, or both. Sometimes the waves are gentle, sometimes rough. Sometimes they knock you down and tumble you around. Sometimes they pull you out to sea, where you question whether you will survive.
Metaphorically speaking, sitting or walking on the beach, listening to and watching the waves is soothing, healing. There is something about the ocean…so awe inspiring, so beautiful and powerful…that is a balm to the soul.
Relentless waves They seem to go on forever They lap, they froth, they crash Sometimes they are in conflict with the tide or current or wind They are pushed and pulled by unseen forces They are bigger than you can control The best you can hope for is to ride them And yet, they are a reminder That there is One who controls the waves and sea And watches over you To keep you from drowning Or being swept away
Waves
Even in the midst of the chaos, there is serenity. By riding the waves, by accepting them as they come, I find healing.
Looking out at the harbor today and I noticed the clouds reflected in the water. We’re on vacation this week in Seattle. Being on vacation gives you time for noticing, time for reflecting. The water acts like a mirror, showing the beauty of the clouds.
As I walk to the local coffee shop for some delicious Victorian Breakfast blend tea, with a generous splash of vanilla, I pause to snap a few photos. And to reflect on the pace of life this week on vacation. It’s been so refreshing to be on a relaxed schedule and spend lots of time outdoors. We’ve been biking, walking, sitting out in the sun and generally bumming around. . .Oh, and sailing.
One of the things that drives me is a love of the created world and an appreciation for life and beauty. My favorite thing to do is to just be, to go outside and breathe. To soak in the sunshine and absorb the fresh air. I love listening to the nature sounds all around me. I like to feel the breeze. I savor the bracing cold and the blazing heat alike. I notice colors and textures. I look for birds and wildlife. I find it to be just what I need to refresh and rejuvenate. Connecting with the outdoors brings me life and energy and joy.
