relax

I have been taking time several evenings a week to read a novel or magazine of interest, even if only for a short time. The act of sitting in my comfy chair with a table lamp on in the evening for a read is very calming and enjoyable.

I have found that it takes conscious effort and practice to continue the state of relax that I insist on maintaining. Last night I came straight home from work knowing I was going to take my boat out. The weather has been beautiful with no wind.

Today’s dog walk took the trail less traveled. I have lived out here for close to 8 years and had never explored farther than the beginning. Time has always felt pressing – too many things to do so I wouldn’t continue the walk. Today I realized that I have nothing but time. Relax. Peace.

I have been making a conscious effort to maintain the relaxed feeling I managed to find while away for 5 weeks. My drive to town is a consistent, and now comfortable 90 km/hr. Work is steady busy but not too much. I have been saying no to taking on more, and delegating tasks.

Would it be a paradox to explain that working hard at one task, completing it, and feeling good about it, enables me to relax? ie: cleaning my yard for two days has been busy and physical work, yet it has been very relaxing…

I am concentrating on full, quality breathing when I’m sitting or walking. It helps my body get the oxygen it needs and keeps me centred on the ‘now’ vs. thinking too much about what needs to get done.

Being in a physical space that allows me to ‘let down’ ‘let go’ ‘be’ includes a place that is clean, uncluttered, good light, clear boundaries, quiet…

making realistic lists helps to ‘see’ and narrow my goals. then I can relax and not stress and have ‘me’ time.

This state of ‘to relax’ is improving for me. Each time I remove some stuff from my home, focus on enjoying the walk for the walk vs. thinking that I don’t have enough time to go that route (I do have time!), say no to taking on projects or being busy, taking the time to ‘be’... it’s all these steps that improve ‘relax’. :)

This morning I went to visit two good friends – Mom who is 91 and daughter who is 59. We had brunch and we chatted and had a facebook tutorial. It was great.
It takes a conscious effort for me to stop moving in order to ‘accomplish things’ and enjoy a few hours with friends.