It’s been a month since my last writing. How quickly time flies when on vacation, or should I say staycation. Back in August, I told you I was going to take a vacation from from my Type A personality and find time to stop, breathe and be instead of constant doing. My goal was to spend a few weeks relaxing at my condo on the corner at the Jersey shore. I enjoyed being very much. So much so that two weeks stretched into three and three into four, and now I’m back and it’s already mid-September.
Bringing my 2020 inspirational word allow to life
During my staycation, I gave myself permission to put the crazy world of Covid-19, the politics of the upcoming election, and other stresses aside to just be. I used my 2020 inspirational word allow as a prompt to slow me down whenever I found myself picking up pace.
Finding my being included walks on the beach in the morning and sometimes in the evening too.
Many an afternoon was spent in silence on my zero-gravity lounger on the deck watching the clouds float by. Occasionally, I was so into being that I dozed off.
I love to watch groups of sandpipers scamper in unison
Other afternoons, I allowed myself to sit in stillness on the beach, moving only my eyes to follow groups of sandpipers running in unison — back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, pecking and probing for food with each crest of the waves. These coordinated little birdies were definitely not into relaxing like I was. Most times it was challenging to get them to stop moving and stay put for a photo.
Riding with a sense of freedom
Rides on my bicycle offered more moments for mindful solitude. Most mornings I rode alone along the ocean drive and then onto the bay side, passing large homes and estates with picturesque views and lush landscaping. When stopping for a sip from my water bottle I took time to admire the pretty flowers, trees and shrubs. My pedaling was made even more delightful with Taylor Swift’s folklore tunes serenading through my iPhone. Ooh, ooh, ooh, it was so freeing!
Views along my bike rides
Settling into a spiritual practice
Being in such a relaxed atmosphere and mode of being, allowed me to go deeper into my spiritual practice of yoga and meditation. Upon waking, I meditated with the Meditate.Me app. Meditations themed “Letting Go” and “Inner Peace” provided a way to start my day with introspection.
Some mornings, I allowed my mini retreat to continue after breakfast with a gentle yoga practice, transitioning from being in my head to seeking answers from my body. Wellness coach and author Caroline Shola Arewa says “Traditional asanas (yoga poses) create ease in the body. They help us digest emotions. When we do things that create more movement in the body, opening muscles or our diaphragm, we may begin to process or release restrictions or trauma. Shola advises that during these times, we need to “welcome an age of unity and consciousness and move from fiery energy into love and kindness,” that includes “being more loving to yourself.”
Ooh, ooh, ooh, I’ve been participating in a Yoga Alliance webinar series with Shola on the chakras the past seven weeks and she is incredibly knowledgeable about the energy centers in our body. I just ordered her book Opening to Spirit and am sure I’ll be sprinkling more of her wisdom as appropriate in future posts.
I nurtured myself with the beautiful skies in nature
Moving into September with gratitude and mindfulness
“You’re bladder is clear of tumors,” said my urologist Dr. F, during my scope last Wednesday. That’s what I was hoping to hear — no cancer. My gratitude meter went ding, ding, ding, hitting 100 percent!
It’s interesting how the universe works its magic. Back in January, before Covid-19 or pandemic were part of my vocabulary, I declared that I was moving into 2020 with mindfulness. And my word allow could not have proved more perfect for 2020.
As the autumn air sets in and the leaves begin to fall from the trees, I’m staying the course and intend to embrace the changing season with a continued sense of being.
My fortune cookie the other night was right on the mark for my life after 60. “All the little things will add to a happy journey.” All I have to add is the word “self” before journey and I’m all set. Onward and upward I go.
Judi
This was a timely post for me to read. I’ve spent most of my life, straining my neck to try and see around the next bend in the road. A dire cancer diagnosis has stopped me in my tracks. I’m trying to “allow” myself just to be—to be OK with not knowing what’s around the bend.
Suzanne, it’s challenging to take time to stop, breathe, and be when you’ve always tried to control so many aspects of your life. We all don’t know the future right now, so be gentle on yourself. Wishing you healing.
Reader P said: “Lovely post Judy. I am so happy you are cancer free. And happy for you for such a nice respite from this crazy world. All the little things will add to a happy journey – I may use that!!!”