Solitude.
What a radical concept it turned out to be. I was flying solo for the first time in recent memory from Wednesday until Saturday while Pete and the kids enjoyed their papa-cation. Just me. And the cat. (Even the dog was away.) I was truly immersed in solitude.
Truth be told I felt fairly lost after their departure. A mixture of sadness and elation, I wandered from room to room, starting and abandoning project after project until I realized that I needed to sit and simply be in this foreign silence to get to know myself again.
I found a comfortable spot to let go of my thoughts in meditation. It wasn't long but it created such calm and clarity. (I would love to establish a regular practice of finding silence in my days through solo walks and meditation. It would serve us all.) That silence of meditation brought out the post I shared with you on Friday which has resulted in more tear-filled comments and visitors to my blog than in its history. I had no idea how resonant those words would be to you. I feel such gratitude for how you embraced that heart-felt essay.
While I was in the quiet solitude for those three days I gardened for hours in silence, talked uninterrupted with friends, slept long and deep, sewed without distraction, wrote from the heart, and made pickles, butter, yogurt, kefir, and cheese.
I put myself first for a few days and came out on the other side more focused, patient, committed to rhythm and simplicity, and ready to dive back in to family life with a new found clarity.
Who knew that time alone could be so nourishing?
Today we're back together setting out to have a normal, wonderful, magical day together. My intention today is to be truly present with my family. And because my cup is full I have so much more to give.
Seek beauty and presence today in your world. It will transform you.
Love,
Rachel
