“Living better doesn’t always mean trying harder. Ease up.”
Whole Living Magazine, December 2011 issue.
I wouldn’t have even seen such a quote thirty years ago; it wouldn’t have registered with me. But on the eve, (well four months to go), of turning fifty, I saw it; I got it; and now I share it.
I became an adult in the heady 1980’s, the Regan years, which were all about hard driving capitalists and prosperity. We all had the opportunity for success providing we got a good education, were competitive, and willing to work long hours. A lot has changed since then, both in our country and in our small towns, and not totally for the worst. One positive that has come from the recession which began in 2008 is that it woke a lot of us up. It changed us. It caused us to choose more carefully how we spend our money and our time. It made us more grateful for what we do have since we saw how precarious everything is – possible of disappearing in an instant for any one of us.
What I’ve learned as I’ve aged is the beauty of an ordinary day. I’ve learned that I love making meals for people close to me. I love setting a beautiful table, sitting quietly each day in my backyard, running my household as a gift to my family to make their lives more calm and smooth. I love books and candles and quiet. Buddhists have told us for years about the importance of quiet and introspection as a way toward finding inner peace.
What did our hard driving society give us? Heart attacks, anxiety, stress and anger? What does rest and easing up give us? It gives us life. And life with those we love.
Here’s to easing up in 2012 - Happy New Year!
Photo: Evergreen Cemetery, Portland
