It seems like the grass really is greener on the other side. Some of my single friends have said at times that they wished for a lively home like mine, where something is always afoot. They want a full schedule of events and a tribe of loved ones to enjoy it with. Meanwhile, those of us with kids and busy households are often dreaming of being able to decide what’s for dinner without taking into account a complicated formula of who will currently eat what foods. We’d love even a few minutes of quiet time to just be alone.
Now that the kids are teenagers, I find that mornings (even the not-so-early ones) can be that oasis of calm and quiet. Since I’ve committed myself to morning yoga, some days I extend this sacred space a bit further into the morning, writing in my journal or meditating or just being still and enjoying the sounds of the birds.
The other day I stayed overnight with my Aunt, who had surgery last week. I woke when I heard her get up around 5am, but then she decided to go back to bed. I couldn’t fall asleep again, and didn’t have my yoga mat, but I spend a lovely couple of hours reading, writing, and pondering. I’d been sleeping on the day bed in the front porch, where I often slept as a child when I stayed over with my grandmother. It’s a beautiful spot, and I enjoyed the happy memories that arose, and the sunlight streaming in. The energy of a quiet house nurtures my soul.
Don’t get me wrong, life is still very full and busy, especially as we ramp up for summer. But even just a few minutes of quiet in the morning can set the tone for the day, allowing me to handle life’s ups and downs with more grace.
I can’t say how I’d feel about living alone all the time; even as an introvert, I enjoy the companionship of my beloveds. But those times when the house is quiet? I am so grateful for them, and I savor them thoroughly.
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