Greetings!
I can't believe summer is 1/2 over! I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July. I was able to spend a week up at the lake and really enjoyed a much needed break. The first few days I spent with just my daughter and we fed the fish, read books, and hung out by the campfire. The last few days, we had many people around enjoying the 4th as well. I enjoyed the solitude as much as I enjoyed the time with others...visiting...laughing...playing...connecting. If you haven't had a break in a while, it's time. It's time to relax, rejuvenate, nurture yourself.
If you aren't familiar with the Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, it's a great book. One of her suggestions is to go on a "date" with yourself each week. Do something just for you that you really enjoy. I think this is a tool that can be used to bring more joy into your life and really nurture your spirit.
Some time ago I belonged to a group that was working through the book together. We spent some time coming up with ideas for our "dates" and I'd like to share a few with you now. Perhaps something will catch your eye and get you started.
·Find a piece of poetry, drag out the watercolors and "paint" the poem. Letting the words pick the colors and shapes.
·Get a movie you really want to see.
·Spend a complete morning (or evening) in a bookstore.
·Blow soap bubbles . . . maybe get one of those gigantic bubble hoops.
·Take a long, luxurious bubble bath with music playing and the lights out. Light some scented candles or incense. (Don't forget to turn off the telephone!)
·Build a Lincoln Log house.
·Go to the playground (don't forget to wear your fastest sneakers !) and swing, go down the slide, merry-go-round, climb the jungle gym (ALL the way to the top), sit WAY up on top of the jungle gym and sing "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay" or "Sittin' on Top of the Jungle Gym."
·Get a blanket and lay down outside and count stars or try to spot constellations.
·Plant a butterfly garden (to attract butterflies).
·Get some chalk and draw all over the sidewalk.
·Play the oldies station on the radio--YOU are the vocalist, and a comb or brush is your microphone.
·Is there a stream nearby? Sit on the edge, remove shoes, let the watercaress and massage your feet, write a letter to a friend, or just sit and think. Bring your MP's, or a journal, and if an idea hits you, write it down.
