There comes a time when you simply have to stop. You have to let it all go. You reevaluate, replenish, regroup and return. It’s the Sit Around, Turn It Off Day.
Stop
I’m a major do-er and it feels really odd to stop everything. To say “this is a day I listen to my own rhythm and do only what my body and spirit tell me to do.” But one Sunday I realized I had to let go of all my projects and plans and move back into my own rhythm, to identify whatever I need right now in my life. I needed to get out of my head and find my inner balance. When that happens to you, it’s simply a nudge that says stop and consider.
Reevaluate
Part of my personal pause was because I had been going in a lot of directions. New and exciting facets kept showing up. Not bright shiny objects, but platforms I could learn to use that would help me bring more meaning to the Deeper Song Community. I was feeling a bit of overwhelm. I knew it was time for a reality check. Can I really do ALL of those things? Which are the most needed, wanted, and valuable to the community? I got out my measuring stick of values and went to work sorting and weeding out and selecting the projects that are most nurturing for me to do and for my community to receive.
Replenish
There were things that had gone by the wayside in my enthusiastic pursuit of all these wonderful ways to serve – mainly me. There was not enough variety in my life. It was heavily leaning toward computer time which is creative even as it pushes me to learn more. I stopped to listen to my body. I slept in. I napped in my chair. I sat outside and read. I would have welcomed a good in-person philosophical discussion but the one that showed up was online in response to my newsletter. That was nurturing. Do something to love yourself. It may be catching up, or doing something you’ve wanted to do for a long time. When it’s time to replenish, you have to tune into what you need. That’s the Sit Around part, as in make time to do something different than you have been doing.
Regroup
Regrouping is about returning to your values. Why are you doing what you are doing? Is it still satisfying? How do you need to change? Turn your mind off and listen to your heart. Is what you are doing still nurturing you? Are you feeling your impact on others? Are you accepting and absorbing the positive comments that come your way? Examine your foundation: your values, your purpose and how you have chosen to be in service and rearrange your life to give you better balance.
Re-choose
Based on the inner rhythm you have established, make some mindful choices. What is most important to you to complete next in your life? Whatever that answer is make it a priority.
Return
The Sit Around, Turn It Off Day can be more than a day – or not . But make it a mindful day. Journal, mind map, write some nesteded meditations, whatever helps you listen to your inner-most self and bring the wisdom you find into your present life.
To Sing a Deeper Song consider:
Are You Living in the Freedom of Now?
