image via sidewalk story
What a *funny* day to find myself reflecting on Mindful Living. Not that today was so different from any other day, but it was…simply because of Mindful Living.
Let me explain.
My husband had some electrical work to do, so he shut the power off at 11 a.m. I was fine with this, as I knew his plans to do so. My own plans involved Spring Cleaning, beginning with my son’s room. I’m not sure if I was inspired by Tsh’s Spring Cleaning Challenge or if my inspiration was derived from the multiplying dust bunnies.
Anyhow, my husband started his project and I started mine. I pulled furniture away from the walls, tossed random toys in a big box (to be sorted later), stripped the bed, and plugged the vaccum in. Turned it on — no power. DUH
At first, I was fine with this and found some things to keep myself busy. But as the hours dragged on, and the power still hadn’t been restored, I began to get twitchy. Irritated-twitchy.
I wasn’t irritated with my husband; I was irritated with my twitchiness.
I realized that I am uncomfortable when I don’t have something to do: general housekeeping, laundry, errands, prepping meals, taking care of the kids’ needs,…
I don’t know how to sit still!!!
All this while, I was very aware of the Mindful Living post that I would be writing later tonight. So I embraced the moment and grabbed the book that I’ve been wanting to read but haven’t found the time to do it. I propped up the pillow on my bed and made myself comfortable. It took all of 3 minutes, before I had long-forgotten that I should be getting stuff done.
I spent a lovely hour reading a most beautiful story. Even more important, I was reminded me that I need to make time to take care of myself. The dust bunnies can wait and the dishes will still be there. We’ll still find clothes to wear, and no one will go hungry. But it’s important to take a little time each day to just be.
This is turning out to be a wonderful journey and process. From my first post about Mindful Living to last week’s post about it, I continue to make strides towards being more present in the everyday.
Other moments that I took special notice of this week, included:
1. Snuggling with my 5-year old son.
2. My almost-3 year old daughter wanting to dress like me. She noticed my scarf, and requested that I tie her blankie around her neck in the same fashion.
3. Kissing her chunky cheeks. I know that she’s going to lean-out soon, and those cheeks will shrink.
4. Having one-on-one time with my son (building Lego, of course) while my daughter napped.
5. Sitting on the floor of the bookstore, perusing a new recipe book.
6. This week, I’ve been a swamp monster, a doggie, and a “sister.”
7. All week, I’ve been doing a “Soak and Seal” routine with the kids to help their dry skin. It involves an evening 15 minute bath, followed by massaging their entire bodies with Eucerin. Every morning, they get the same treatment, without the bath. It’s quite time-consuming, but instead of being irritated by it, I have been enjoying the benefits of massaging my babies’ bodies with moisturizer. How long until they’re kicking me out of the bathroom for privacy?!
8. This afternoon, sitting on my bed, reading my book.
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Lovely post.
I have been using Eucerin for my kids as well! They regularly get dry hands and my daughter also gets a dry and itchy torso and patches on her face sometimes. The cream is really fantastic!
So glad you got those moments of “you”-time this week, and some beautiful other moments.
My special moment this week happened on Thursday. G and I went to the outdoor market in Nea Hora. When we finished, we passed by a little van with a rigged up barbecue in front of it and a guy selling souvlakia and grilled bread. G bought us each a stick and grabbed two cups and a can of seltzer. We sat on the sea wall nibbling away and drinking our soda out of plastic cups. It was glorious.
I’m completely with you on the can’t sit still thing. I have a really hard time just doing nothing and relaxing but when I’ve tried to be mindful, it really does help me feel more calm and centered. I really enjoyed reading this post. And the list!
it was a good week for you!! yes! okay, just maybe this week I will become more mindful of being mindful and try to write somethings down for next week.
btw, what did you thing of V with a V ? I decided I didn’t need to buy that one. Next one you should look at is the Moosewood cookbooks - they are all either veggie or vegan.
@ RML~
My son has slight excema, getting the dry patches in random parts of his body. My daughter has a totally different (and genetic) skin condition: “keratosis something.” It’s a very fine rash over her limbs in cheeks. Most people can’t see it, but a mother can! ; ) I see loads of progress with our “Soak and Seal” routine, but neither child is 100% better yet.
@ Chania Girl~
Your moment sounds glorious — just as I’d imagine life in Greece. I’ve never had souvlakia, but if it’s anything like gyros, I’m in. YUM.
@ PP~
It was definitely difficult to do, but it was so fantastic once I “succumbed” to the moment. I had forgotten how nice it was to take a load off, and relax with a book.
@ Dmoms~
I had a 40% off coupon for the bookstore, so I did buy the book. I saw enough promising recipes that seemed to warrant buying it. If/When I try some that are delicious, I will most definitely share them. (There’s a recipe for Mushroom and Sun Dried Tomato Risotto that looks fabulous.) Thanks for the tip on Moosewood cookbooks — I’ve never heard of them, but will definitely look for them.
Interesting how you had a lightbulb moment when the power was off.
I recall the last power outage we had–lasted about 30 hours–and I can’t tell you how many times I tried to flip a switch or plug something in–even though I KNEW the power was off!
Glad you found a way to sit still and lose yourself in a book!
@ Mylestones~
Ha ha! I never thought of the lightbulb moment while the power was off.
Kirwin, I have really enjoyed these posts of yours. I’ve been reading along and just this week thought to myself that I was practicing “mindfulness” and truly appreciating the task I was working on. I’ve also been trying to give my children my full attention as much as possible - which has meant less computer time. And I credit these changes in part to reading these posts of yours.
I didn’t read them and then say “I want to try this” it just kind of seeped into my consciousness somehow. This past week as I was truly being and appreciating right where I was I thought of you and your blog - cool eh? Thought you’d like to know that.
Also, my husband used to have bad eczema and after much research and dietary change we have it figured out. Hope you have success with the soak and seal.
“be” well my friend - you have inspired and encouraged me.
I’m so glad you gave yourself “permission” to just be. It’s really difficult to allow ourselves, especially as a busy mum, but very important.
When we have had power cuts I am always surprised at how much we rely on electricity without realising - cooking, entertainment, heating, lighting - it really forces you to slow down and think about what you are doing.
@ Renee~
Thank you so much for sharing that. I loved reading it, and I’m so glad you told me. My husband finds it extremely amusing that people actually “subscribe” to read my posts! LOL
BTW, about the eczema, what dietary changes did you make? Do you have any strong recommendations? I’m in huge “advocate” mode right now, and am trying to help me son’s skin heal without the use of Cortizone.
@ 280 Days~
Yes, it’s very enlightening to realize how dependant we are on electricity. It was such a wonderful “back to basics” afternoon.
What a timely post for me. This past week has been full of activity. One of those weeks where you just plow through the schedule and get some rest on the other side. So, when I read your post, it made me think “Did I have any mindful moments this past week?” The whole point of my blog is to keep the most important things in life first and don’t get sucked into the busyness of life. Last week was a testament to why my blog is “Overcoming Busy” and not “Overcame Busy”! Tonight, I pronounced the beginning of a new week and had my daughter read me a bedtime story and then we cuddled and chatted. Ahhhhh!!! A new week!
How wondeful to slow down and just be-I’ve been working more and more at this-I’ve been noticing more little moments and reminding myself that these won’t last! I want a few more days to play house, dress up and build forts.
Thanks for the reminder that it’s just fine to have nothing to do.
Kirwin ~ Yeah for slowing down and taking some “you” time. We all need that no matter how busy our lives get. I know if you are anything like me, my todo list never ends and it will never be checked off. Loved that you took time to be mindful, enjoyed the kiddo massage routine and spent time just being present in the moment.
Favorite comment - about the daughter wanting to dress like you with her blanky - how cute is that?!
Kirwin ~ Yeah for slowing down and taking some “you” time. We all need that no matter how busy our lives get. I know if you are anything like me, my todo list never ends and it will never be checked off. Loved that you took time to be mindful, enjoyed the kiddo massage routine and spent time just being present in the moment.
Favorite comment - about the daughter wanting to dress like you with her blanky - how cute is that?!
I think we all find the moments… eventually. Some, it takes a health crisis to stop and be mindful of yourself. Others… like you… just stumble into and then you GET IT! YOU GO GIRL!
Thank you for the reminder! I AM MOTIVATED!
Tänia of Faith Prints & Christian Bloggers
@ Marci~
I know (too well) how easy it is to get caught up in doing, doing, doing. It’s harder to “just be.” Have a great week this week!
@ Gina~
I’m so worried I’m going to look back and wonder where the time went. Already, my daughter is turning 3, and I can barely remember these last three years. {sniff, sniff}
@ Danica~
It was SO cute when my DD wanted to dress like me. At first, I didn’t understand what she wanted…I thought she wanted a “toga”. I finally realized that she was eyeing my scarf, and that’s what she wanted! I have to admit — I loved it.
@ Tania~
Yeah for motivation!! I am glad I have stumbled into it, but I need daily reminders to keep at it. It’s too easy to slip into the busy-ness of Life.
Kirwin, the basic changes we made for my husband's eczema were to remove dairy and gluten from his diet and then corn. He has to be very vigilant because corn and wheat products are in every processed food in America. We also switched all our cleaning products & soaps to basic, natural ones. I started making my own soap - more about that on my blog (I have recipes there).
We also eat mostly vegan to keep our basic immunity up and for short and long term health, not necessarily related to eczema. More about that coming on my blog. I'm going to write a series of food posts since how we eat is a huge part of our lives.
@ Renee~
Thanks for getting back to me. I’ve been wondering about possible (mild) food allergies, and I’ve also wondered about changing my laundry detergent. I will poke around your blog and find those soap/cleaning recipes.
I’m looking forward to reading your Food Series.
I am trying to be more mindful but I love your itchy-twitchy. Describes my DH to a T, just not happy unless doing something.
@ Cheryl~
Ha ha…I’m glad you like my “itchy-twitchy.” I’m slowly learning to just “be.”
Came over from Emily’s Tuesdays Unwrapped. Had put a long comment but blogger ate it…..glad you are having the opportunity to just “be.”
Need to join you with the spring cleaning.
@ Jen~
AGH! Don’t you just hate it when technology “eats” your stuff?! thanks for trying again, and leaving a comment.
lovely post
“how long until they’re kicking me out of the bathroom for privacy?”
Oh, so true. Enjoy it now, while they are little. Beautiful post.
@ shopannies~
Thank you, and thanks for stopping by.
@ Jenn~
I’m probably going to be kicked out sooner than I think. (sniff, sniff) Thanks for stopping by and visiting!
I’m glad you took time to read!
I hope you will stop by my blog and see the bluebirds that have been giving me joy these past few weeks…it’s that kind of unexpected beauty that keeps me going when it’s raining, dreary, and so much to do