The Holidays, Dear Universe!
I’m up early, for no reason other than I awoke at 3:30 a.m. and haven’t been able to fall back asleep. I still feel tired, and I’ve been pretty exhausted, so this is kind of a drag.
A part of it, I suspect, is because of the plans of the day. It’s the day before Thanksgiving, and I’m traveling down to CT to visit with family. After dinner tomorrow, I’ll drive back up here, and then work Friday through Tuesday.
Planning that I would have today off, and could drive down on my own, I made plans to meet an old friend this afternoon. Otherwise, I was keeping the plan pretty simple. As it is, I knew that would mean getting up early enough to write and post, and then pack before leaving mid-morning.
Since those plans were made, though, there are now some added logistics of Joy baking pies for Thanksgiving, us coordinating our travel plans, and also wanting to clean and prepare our place for a visitor staying over the weekend.
All this to say – I get it, Dear One. Real life is rarely easy!”
My wife and I could use simple rest, and space to cocoon; to recharge and relax; to declutter and organize; and get a little stronger and healthier.
At the same time, we crave connection, and we know that doesn’t happen without some effort, without setting intentions and expending time and energy.
Life is a balancing act.
But, even as I write that, my thoughts go two ways. First is the fatigue from the constant effort to maintain some kind of balance.
But, there’s also the thought that there’s a hidden secret here, if only I can uncover it. Of being like a child on the playground, filled with joy at playing all these balancing games.
I want to tap into the joy of living, learning, and balancing.
A goal of mine is to reside in the space where I can chuckle as easily and joyfully as the Dalai Lama.
So, here is a Prompt for you:
Dear One, as a child, was there anything you played or practiced for hours at a time, captivated by the simple challenge of getting better at it?
I threw a rubber ball against a wall, practiced chipping golf balls in the backyard, and played hacky sack by myself, counting how many consecutive taps I could get without the sack hitting the ground; all, for hours at a time. Sure, it was because I wanted to get better, but I also really enjoyed the effort and challenge of the practice itself.
Dear One, remember something you would play at, for hours at a time. Can you bring that joy to something you’re learning now? Perhaps cooking, writing, knitting, or drawing? Can you tap the joyful energy of play, as you practice?
I want to stop taking The Joy of Living so seriously! It’s time to stop “working” on it, and just live joyfully. Asking for your guidance, My Dear Spirits!
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