Time- Part 1

An exercise of slowing down.

By: Mary B.

What’s a dream morning?

Having all the time in the world. To do nothing, or to do everything. To feel rested; to not feel rushed; to keep my body and mind relaxed and capable of creativity and receptive to new information. 

Time to slow down and experience the gifts of our senses: listening to the crackle of bacon; the smell of toasted bread; a silk robe brushed along my skin; a hug from behind… breakfast passing without any urgency. Reclined with dirty dishes on the table. Able to recede into my own intellectual space; writing, listening, reading, whether I’m alone or in company with another. 

Never feeling late- always where I’m supposed to be. Running errands (but walking), and noticing the details on the houses in the neighborhood, the sounds of cicadas, or the rhythm of my steps. Stopping to say hi to an acquaintance, or have a whole conversation for 20 minutes without worrying where I have to be. Taking time to myself and for others throughout the day is the ultimate source of happiness. Spending my time and having someone else’s time spent on me is the greatest gift. 

While this amount of leisure isn’t always available- it helps to imagine it and remind myself of all that I want to read, write, learn, or explore when I do have the time. It helps me rearrange my priorities to meet my needs- to focus on what’s been lacking to help ensure I pursue what’s important right now. Even if I don’t get to it right away- the practice of dreaming is the first step of doing, and it helps me remember what my soul is made of and how to nurture it. What are you dreaming of? What can you choose to do for yourself today?