Summertime Slowness
July 20, 2009 · by Christine
It’s summertime which means an invitation to indulge in some of summer’s pleasures. Despite the fact that I have been hard at work writing a second book and preparing to teach, I still take breaks for some of summer’s finer gifts. Let’s celebrate slowness. Some things that should be done s-l-o-w-l-y:
- Taking a long swim in the open water, feeling the stretch of your muscles.
- Eating fresh sweet berries and juicy peaches.
- Cooking a meal with complete loving attention to each chop, sprinkle, and stir.
- Napping in a patch of sunlight.
- Hiking deep in the emerald woods.
- Listening to the rhythms of the ocean until you discover your own heartbeat hidden there.
- Rubbing a dog’s belly.
- Letting a beautiful piece of music wash over you and knit itself into your being.
- Listening. To a friend, a spouse, a stranger. To silence, to the holy presence.
- Making love. Treasuring the gift of skin next to skin.
- Gazing upon a work of art or a sunset and really seeing it. Gazing upon a loved one and really seeing them.
- Transformation: The long slow process of becoming who we really are.
- Breathing.
- Grieving. Experiencing the fullness of sorrow and loss.
- Basking in gratitude for the simple joys of each day.
What are the things that you take time to enjoy slowly? What are the things worth savoring? What might happen if you slowed down enough to hear deeply the God who speaks in sheer silence? What is being whispered to you there?
Feel free to make your own additions to the list either below or at your own blog. . .
Posted in Spirituality | 15 Comments »
July 20th, 2009 at 8:13 am
This is going to sound like a rather strange addition to your list, but I’ve just been sorting out loads of old papers. Shredding what I don’t need any more, slowly and mindfully, is really satisfying. It kind of eats up the worries that went with all those old tax papers that gave me anxiety at the time.
July 20th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Re-entering into home life after being away for two weeks. i am savoring sitting in my own bed, feeling the breeze through my window, adoring being in the present moment and trying not to rush into the next. xoxoxo
July 20th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Tess, I love that addition and I totally get it. It is so satisfying to send things through the shredder.
welcome home lucy! I have missed you. delighted you are slowly re-entering life back home.
July 20th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Cutting slices of lemon and putting them in a glass pitcher, filling with water…then sipping beautiful, cool, refreshing water all day…
July 20th, 2009 at 10:18 am
OK if I borrow from Mary Oliver again?
Why I Wake Early
Every day
I see or hear
something
that more or less
kills me
with delight,
that leaves me
like a needle
in the haystack
of light.
It was what I was born for –
to look, to listen,
to lose myself
inside this soft world –
to instruct myself
over and over
in joy
and acclamation…
Nor am I talking
about the exceptional,
the fearful, the dreadful,
the very extravagant -
but of the ordinary,
the common, the very drab,
the daily presentations.
Oh good scholar,
I say to myself
how can you help
but grow wise
with such teaching
as these –
the untrimmable light
of the world,
the ocean’s shine,
the prayers that are made
out of grass?
….I’ll add the Amen! for these gentle reminders today of the value of staying still to watch the cardinals feed, to mimic the rabbit’s art of non movement as she peruses her environs, to notice the sound of the rain as it begins the day with me, to receive the gift of my husband’s words as he searches for the solution to a project….every time I pay attention, I see the bounty that is life, played out specifically to fit each day.
July 20th, 2009 at 10:27 am
ooohh, yes kathy. My favorite is hibiscus lemonade, so refreshing!
and yes Carolyn, always feel free to reference Mary O here.
Beautiful additions, the sound of rain is one of my favorites. unfortunately here in the NW our summer has been a long sunny one.
July 20th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
from The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon (10th c. Japanese Court Lady, famous for her lists of things she loved, but here a reflection on love-making in summer) tr. by Arthur Waley
For secret meetings summer is best. It is true that the nights are terribly short and it begins to grow light before one has had a wink of sleep. But it is delightful to have all the shutters open, so that the cool air comes in and one can see into the garden. At last comes the time of parting, and just as the lovers are trying to finish off all the small things that remain to be said, they are suddenly startled by a loud noise just outside the window. For a moment they make certain if they are betrayed; but it turns out only to be a crow that cried as it flew past.
July 20th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Your list is beautiful and lovely to savor in and of itself! Thank you for sharing it.
July 20th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
talking to my dogs/knowing they understand
taking a long swim…with nothing on!
eating fresh corn on the cob, dripping with butter
knowing I am loved by my in-laws
July 20th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
kigen, I love this quote you share, you find the most interesting sources.
You are most welcome SS!
July 21st, 2009 at 4:02 pm
reading a poem
reciting a poem from memory
telling the truth
receiving myself through my reflection in a mirror
flower arranging
massage
moon viewing
daydreaming
journaling
kissing
comforting another
July 22nd, 2009 at 5:44 am
Suz and Laure, thank you for sharing these most delicious of lists! This has been wonderful to share with my readers.
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:28 pm
I added to the lovely list here: http://www.mysimplerlife.com/blog/?p=1612
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:09 pm
I savor those moments of transition from the outside world to the peace and presence of God when I walk into church and prepare myself for worship. I love to feel the cares and busy-ness slip away!
July 30th, 2009 at 7:47 am
Telling myself over and over
“another day in paradise”