Do you take time to just “be” and not “do”? How can you when there is so much to do?
With Thanksgiving this past week, it begins the end of the year festivities. It seems like the time between Thanksgiving and New Years is a blur of shopping, wrapping, eating, and doing. We run quickly through all the events and I wonder if we are really enjoying and participating because we want to or because we “should”.
Is there any quiet time scheduled in to ponder the wonders of the season? What if you say no to the busy-ness and only do the activities that you really want to do? The ones that being you joy because you are spending time with people that you love. I give you permission to say no. You made your schedule and you have the power to change it. The world really doesn’t end if you don’t attend five Christmas parties because you “always do”.
In the midst of all that running, where is the quiet? The still moments you have in your day where you can breathe and just be? On a Sunday, that moment may come in church. Over the summer, two of my friend’s kids accompanied me to church and the 6 year old fell asleep. I asked him after mass if he was really tired and he answered “I fall asleep sometimes because church is so relaxing”. I never thought about it that way. During mass, it’s just me and God, no phones, no distractions, a relaxing moment for sure. 6 year old’s are pretty smart.
I go on retreat every Advent- that is my moment of quiet and helps me navigate the rest of the season. If that is not possible for you, what can you do? Here are a few ideas.
- Spend a few minutes reading Scripture when you wake up or right before bed.
- Turn down one (or more) invitations and do an activity that brings you joy.
- Spend 10 minutes in prayer that does not involve a screen
- Commit to a daily walk to sort out your thoughts.
- Bake – alone or with friends, whichever is more enjoyable.
- Listen to music that inspires you on the way to work (or during work if that is possible)
- Instead of cooking the whole holiday meal yourself, make it a pot luck and ask people to bring sides.
We are responsible for how we fill our time. I challenge you to find a way (or several) to add some quietness to this busy season. You might be surprised at the peace you find just by “being” and not “doing”.
