Whew. We can take a deep breath now. We made it through the holiday season. 2022 is a new year. A new start.
And if it feels like a reprise of the last couple of years? Omicron, zoom meetings, masks and sanitizer, uncertainty. It’s normal to feel fatigued by it all. I know I do. And I have a prescription for all of us. Be gentle with yourself.
I haven’t made New Year’s resolutions in many years. I do make intentions for each year, but this year, I have only one. To treat myself kindly. Whatever that may mean, day today.
Instead of approaching my daily walk as necessary exercise or a goal I have to meet, I’m using it as an excuse to amble, look around, and daydream. I still get my miles but this feels more nurturing.
After my initial pandemic flurries of stress-baking and frantic trying of new recipes, I have relaxed into making eggs or waffles for dinner. Breakfast for dinner is easy and nourishing in so many ways.
I’m drifting more during my free time – writing as enjoyment rather than must-do, must produce. Making visual art when the mood strikes, not as an obligation as an iPhone artist. I’ve taken up mindful stitching as a practice, which would be a shock to my seventh grade home ec teacher. She gave me a D on my sewing project. Luckily, mindful stitching is just that – a tactile meditative practice that doesn’t aim for perfection. Or even to be good.
Poet David Whyte tells a story about visiting his long-time friend John O’ Donahue. David had been particularly busy traveling and sharing his poetry and philosophy on stage. John gave him a bit of advice that I just love. “Let yourself alone, David. Just let yourself alone to go have a pint or just sit and be.” I’m paraphrasing but you get the gist. (David Whyte hosts zoom sessions three times a month every other month. These are also part of my nurturing practice. Find out more here: https://davidwhyte.com/)
Lovely, as always, Lynette! I will try to follow your prescription. My mantra for this year is: just take it as it comes. Make some plans, BUT don’t expect them all to work out.
What a poignant message you deliver for 2022, Lynette. It is one embrace and take to heart! I have taken to watching regular ZOOM from the Upaya Center in Santa Fe. I just love Joan Halifax, her “teachings” and general support for BEing. Their members, of which I have become, only Winter Solstice ZOOM was priceless.