How is everyone doing with sheltering in place? The above photo was taken way back in 2008 during my 30th birthday trip to Scotland. I was talking about my time there in a recent Facebook Live chat over tea, and it really did remind me about how our gifts are sometimes born out of times of solitude. It was on this particular trip that I set the next chapter of my life in motion (literally since I was turning 30), and pretty much everything I am doing now is a result of those intentions.
- Apply to be an Herbal Apprentice.
- Get a laptop so I can start a blog and write it from anywhere.
- Create workshops or classes…about what, I wasn’t sure yet.
Fast forward 10 years and change, and here I am. And oddly enough, while really in transition again with my business, I am being forced into more retreat time. Oh, Universe.
I am delighted to see so many other people using this time to do beautiful things. Sometimes it’s hard to sit in the silence. It isn’t always easy when we are so used to being busy, and going and doing. I keep seeing funny things about how Generation Xers are taking the quarantines in stride because being alone is nothing new to us. I do find that to be true for me. I spent some time alone after school as a school kid and would entertain myself for a bit (however nothing very prolonged), and I would spend hours in the basement making up worlds and stories with my dolls or watching TV. I would make mixed tapes of video clips on the VCR, my friend Charity and I would make up and record commercials on cassette tapes using my Dad’s and her Dad’s record collections. We would also spend hours doing various arts and crafts. I was never into video games but was heavily into watching my shows and would get very upset if the VCR failed to turn on if I wasn’t home because that meant I would have to wait until they re ran it over the Summer. Oh, pre Netflix/Hulu/Amazon….
I will say, I am also experiencing some anxiety at times over all this. I am not immune to it even though I try to remain calm and focus my energy into positive things and my work. I have been trying to meditate, nap, drink tea, talk to friends etc., to keep grounded.
I am also trying to stay in place. Be in the stillness. Because even though I do have a lot of practice with solitude…I have become accustomed to the digital connections and conveniences. I love me a good show binge…no waiting for the happy ending! LOL. But I appreciate my days of waiting to see what happens next because it reminds me that good things can take time, work, and yes, rest.
Be well and Stay Safe.