Balance; a renewed perspective

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

(Day 27 of my no-buy year)

Its been a week of getting back into routines, schedules and reminding myself and savoring rituals that were put aside for the summer break. While we are not back in full pace as yet, (thank fully it all starts back up in increments) It has been enough to spend a few days in the office, sometimes requiring us to set alarm clocks and being a little more prepared and organized for meals compared to the relaxed dining and food choices of full summer. The week, happily, has been heavily interspersed with down time- in the shape of long walks, beach excursions, dinners al fresco, little luxuries like pedicures- to refresh the beach feet- and tending to a few jobs around the home and garden. 

There are no signs of Autumn whatsoever as yet- much as I love the season, I'm not quite ready to relinquish summer yet. However, although we are experiencing long balmy evenings, our circadian clocks are running a little later now as the brightness of 5.15am dawns are lazily drifting towards closer to 6.30am, and naturally this week I am waking later than I will need to next- not by many minutes but enough to be conscious that the alarm may feel rather brutal next week. I think many of us feel we need to hang on to every summery drop here due to the dreadful weather and extreme flooding we experienced this time last year bringing the nation and its summer plans to a halt. 

While the trees are yet to turn, and the nip is yet to be felt, one job on my to do list is to order firewood in readiness for that first cool evening- hopefully not until May sometime. This evening however, we hope to light our fire pit in the garden and enjoy the smoky glow and sticky sweetness of toasting marshmallows and watching the impressive almost full moon appear. (Waning Gibbous) 

The full moon

One morning this week I was taking an online yoga session here at home (I thoroughly enjoy long walks with friends and my weekly ballet class, but when it comes to any of my other forms of exercise, I find I very much prefer to be on my own- yoga, resistance training, running) and the teacher/ Guru said something which I have reflected on during my days and ponderings since, it has a afforded me a lighter, fresher look at the balance of my energy, thoughts, and daily wellbeing. Which what he said I already knew dep down, how it was phrased just sung. 

" ...in Yoga practice it is important to know when to be strong and soft, as in our lives it is important to allow ourselves presence and ambition"

I was struck by how relevant this is and how by applying it to our daily lives, routines, professions, families; it can help shape how we approach situations and guide us. It provides a pathway to balance. Peace. 

Everyday contentment is centered around the gentle values and ethos of savoring. Of being present, of noticing the little things and taking pleasure in the everyday- finding joy in the seemingly mundane and teaching ourselves to enjoy and relish life's simple pleasures. 

This Strong and Soft, presence and ambition is relevant to my parenting, my work, my writing, my marriage, my career, my health and fitness. It's a loaded phrase which, when you consider fully, is so full of wisdom and grounding it quite literally asks me to pause, reflect, take a breath and see things from a slightly shifted, clearer, calmer perspective. 

Our community suffered a tragedy this week- and while I endeavor to keep this blog a positive space, it's also a reminder for us not to take anything for granted. A young girl's life was devastatingly and unexpectedly lost, and her family reeling in grief. While its wonderful and exciting and exhilarating to plan ahead, it's a very clear message to savor today. Savor and be grateful for all the little things, all the moments, the hugs, the laughs, the furry cuddles, the story times, the birdsong, the delicious meals, the morning sun, the sip of coffee, the bite of a fresh croissant, the scent of a rose, the embrace of a loved one, the sound of the waves........ 

Wishing you a peaceful, productive and inspired weekend and week ahead.