I have never been good at napping. To be honest, I’m not very good at slow, quiet or relaxing either. I am your garden variety Type A, driven, slightly (only slightly?!) obsessive, overly productive Virgo (I believe this sign speaks for itself). I choose holidays where I’m climbing, exploring, engaging and learning, itinerary in hand, I set my daily goals and have lists to check off my productivity. Granted, I am a work in progress, and the last twenty years of my life (maybe more) have been about self discovery, getting quiet, going inside and letting go…still, I suffer from an obnoxious level of productivity on most days. This holiday has been no different, with the exception of the universe knocking me on my ass and providing me with ample reason to do nothing…the head cold!
I spent yesterday annoyed that I had to cancel training and that I had to stay inside and rest. I cleaned house, did laundry and made broth and lots of tea. Still, I felt so unproductive and lazy (but you’re sick, relax, read a book, just chill out you say?). Then, I had this moment. The cat loves me like this. He loves to get close, put his head on my lap and his paws touch my feel…”Join me, Mom!”, he seems to say. Cats have the art of napping down. They are experts in the field of the unapologetic, indulgent and luxurious nap! I spent this morning watching him as he lounged, rolling to his back, covering his eyes, to shade them from the daylight, always this little smile of contentment in the corner of his furry mug. Hey, why not join in? It’s not like there’s anyplace to go or anything to do…aside from blow my nose now and then.
So, I christen this “self care Tuesday”! I slept in! Shocking! I always begin with meditation but I didn’t set a timer today, I just rolled with it, really let myself sink in deep. I actually sat for a full unfidgety twenty minutes…unheard of! I wrote in my journal until I had nothing left to bitch about, a full three pages, followed by some gratitude listing. I followed this up with some hot lemon water, good for clearing out what ails me, and then, some coffee magic. The bean is truly magic! I like the ritual of slow coffee. Grind it, boil the water, pour it over and wait for the brew, plunge and pour that beautiful ebony liquid into a pretty mug and just sit, listening to the bird song and slowly sip. I am already feeling catlike, a bit satisfied with myself.
Just relax, read a good book and chill out! I am so busy and running all the time that I hardly ever get the chance to actually practice one of my all time favorite things, reading. There’s no time like the present and I forgot that I actually bought two new books last month, one fiction and one a non-fiction guide of sorts. Sipping coffee, the weight of the cat’s prone form against my hip and a good read in my hand I’m actually starting to feel pretty chill, a bit like I could do this all day! I did wake up with this plan to do a training session at home today, a full body HIT styled workout, get my pump on. Mmmmm, not really feeling like that’s gonna get done today!
I love breakfast. It’s, hands down, the best meal of the day. This morning I broke my fast with slow oats, topped with berries and walnuts, almond milk and honey. I added a hard boiled egg for some extra protein and nutrition…I’m gonna need it for all the training I plan to do…tomorrow! I followed this up with some steeped tea, Cold 911 from David’s Tea is my all time, go to, sick tea. Mind you, the combination of mint, citrus and juniper berries makes it one of my favorite afternoon teas when I’m at work too. Drinking tea, reading my book, hearing the rain fall on the glass awning I’m suddenly inspired to write a little something…wow! Imagine that? I haven’t actually blogged anything since Winter Break, a full three months ago.
And there it is! The muse…! From the simple act of nothing has come everything. Stop, sit, listen and quiet that monkey mind. The universe provides, whether you like it or not. We need to be still and hear our own heart, the tiny voice inside that guides us if we are smart enough to pause and listen. Clearly I haven’t been lately and the powers that be (call them what you will) have given me pause to slow down, like a cat.
Ziggy, you’re my hero.
Comments
True it’s ok to do nothing. Have a day to reflect and self care
Author
Thanks, friend! I try to at least once a week. I hope you do as well.
I must thank you for the efforts youve put in penning this site. I am hoping to check out the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my very own blog now 😉
Author
Thank you so much! I’m glad your have found something here inspirational!