Rest: The Gift of Idleness

Musing…  
Shakespeare said “Intervals of idleness are essential to creative work.”  The Idler (UK magazine) proposes that idleness has little in common with laziness; rather, it’s more about the notion of contemplative productivity with the minimum of fuss (philosophy of Gavin Pretor-Pinney, co-founder of The Idler magazine). ALL the rest of nature does this during the winter season – why don’t we?

Kate’s Turn:  I’ve been anything BUT idle recently. In fact, I feel constantly pressured by so much to do in such little time; I’m still unpacking boxes, still looking for work, still developing a coaching practice, still shopping for winter clothing, etc. But instinctively, the decreasing amount of daylight and decreasing temperatures lead me to pull inward and rest. I feel like just watching the leaves fall, like basking in the yellow glow of the sunny maple leaves, like staring at the bonfire flames.  I’m trusting that all these outcomes will be generated in due time, if only I take the necessary time to sit within my core essence and be in sync with all of nature by slowing down to a point of minimum fuss. 

Following these examples of nature, I’ve introduced a new meditation into my routine at twilight.  While quieting my outer self during the fading light, I’m connecting to a new depth within myself-that stillpoint of core essence, Source Energy, from which all of my life flows. Resting in this place is a nurturing activity for future creative expression.

Get Fired Up:  
As we enter a busy time of year in outward activity, how will you honor your internal well of creativity with your presence?  
Listen and respond as idleness beckons……….

Rest: Sitting with Change

Musing…

“Don't go outside your house to see flowers.

My friend, don't bother with that excursion.

Inside your body there are flowers.

One flower has a thousand petals.

That will do for a place to sit.

Sitting there you will have a glimpse of beauty

inside the body and out of it,

before gardens and after gardens. “

-- Kabir

Charise’s Turn: My twenty three year old daughter was just promoted to a management position in her company which requires her to relocate from her hometown to Boston. After the flurry of activity to get packed, make arrangements for moving, visit with family and friends, the day to leave arrives. Departing for this major life change consists of sitting in the car, sitting in the airport, sitting in the plane. Sitting allows for a break from busyness, from doingness, to rest in the place between places, neither there nor here. This rest is rich with all the life she’s lived so far and all the life ahead of her.

It is while sitting together just in front of the security line at the airport that she puts her arms around me and says, “I feel sad to be leaving”.  This isn’t about second thoughts, or wanting to turn back or stop moving forward. This is about the absolute insistence of growth.

Get Fired Up:

Within you is the imperative for growth and creativity -- wherever you go and when you are at rest or between places, goals, destinations, certainties. 

Sit with your self, with who you are, as you are.