The circle was spinning on my computer screen along with the
words, “Please Wait”, as it tried to process information that I needed
immediately. Frustrated, I took a deep breath and in an irritated voice I spoke
aloud to no one, “Really? I don’t have time for this stuff.” (Except I didn’t
use the word, “stuff”).
With the exception of the few, wise, “work/life” balanced
individuals among us, it is safe to say we
run through life in overdrive as we check
off our excessive “to do” lists. Add on the Christmas parties, holiday baking
and shopping that comes with the season and it’s enough to tip us over the
edge.
But nature may provide us an excuse to slow down, as if one
needs to be goaded into stepping back from our face-paced life to take a
breather. Today, December 21, is the winter solstice – the official first day
of winter that marks the longest night and shortest day of the year. It’s
during this time that we experience the dark months ahead which can open the
door to our natural inclination to hibernate, allowing us to rest. And, if we
dare, suspend our busyness for a while - standing still while we wait for the
promise of warmer and longer days to come.
The word “solstice” roughly translates to “sun stands
still.” Even something as important as the sun takes a moment for quiet and
reflection. Although technically, the sun only appears to pause, but nature in
her wisdom may be trying to tell us to pause from time to time, too.
There are many advantages to taking a momentary hiatus for rest
and self-reflection. One well-known benefit to pausing in this way is that it
allows the mind to process important information, increasing our ability to create
with life. The act of slowing down itself, gives us time to take a deep breath
and actually “hear” intuitive thoughts that often become reality, taking action
in a more purposeful way.
I must admit that I will always be one to busily flutter
from one task and event to another, so for those who find themselves in the
same predicament, I am unable to offer any solutions for slowing down - (except
for the obvious act of doing less).
But when moments become too stressful and things are
spinning out of control, I will recall that moment when my computer asked me to
“Please, wait” as it processed the information I requested from it. And much
like that computer, I will do my best to pause - and wait – so I can process
life with the intention to act with authentic creativity.
Happy Solstice!
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