The end of my winter break is almost here. While I am looking forward to getting back into a routine and finding some “normalcy,” I have thoroughly enjoyed the last two weeks of having no schedule, no routines, no work, no deadlines. This break I was very intentional about slowing down and taking time to do the things that bring me joy. Even though the morning alarm was turned off, I still found myself up early before anyone else in the house was awake. I love quiet mornings with coffee and stillness. I read the days away…finishing three books during my time off. I decluttered and organized (that may not sound fun or relaxing to some, but for me it is freeing). I played records (yes, vinyl) and truly slowed to listen to songs that just hit differently from the record player. I got my camera out (had to clear the dust and charge the batteries) and just snapped little moments that made me smile.
This morning I took the camera outside just to try and capture a few moments of my favorite part of the day. I love the soft light of the sky when the darkness clears but the sun has not risen and taken over just yet. The world is quiet and slow and I find so much peace at this time of day. The coffee has kicked in, but the demands of the day are still at bay. No one is up and moving to need anything from me yet (except my very demanding dog) and the time and space are all mine. When I stepped out into the front yard, my first thought was that I would just snap a few shots to re-acquaint myself with my camera, not expecting to find much to shoot in my little piece of the neighborhood.
What I found was so much beauty. Beauty in dormant trees and gray skies. Beauty in bare branches covered in a thin layer of frost. I found that there is beauty in this time of year when things slow down to rest and renew. Yes, of course in spring when everything begins to bloom and grow, there is so much beauty to be found. But I really appreciate this season of dormancy and stillness. I think we could all learn a lot from the rhythm of nature. I know for me that I need to learn to slow down and embrace and easier pace. I have to let go of the notion that if I am not busy than I am not productive. Nature slows down and uses this season to prepare for renewal in a few months. I need to give myself permission to do the same. I do not have to be “doing” something all the time…it is okay to find a new rhythm that is slower. There is no shame or “laziness” in slowing and renewing. And I am worthy of taking on a new rhythm during this season. It’s what my body needs. It’s what my soul needs. I believe its what the world needs. I hope that you can find some peace and joy in the stillness that this season brings. Find something that feeds your soul and sit with it today.
that as a district we would begin online teaching/distance learning/teaching from home on that Thursday. Thirty-six hours to wrap my head around teaching my curriculum to sixty-four students in a way that I had never done before. I went into overdrive and spent some much energy trying to figure it all out that I pretty much accomplished nothing. At the beginning of every school year I make a promise to myself to do all that I can for each and every one of my students for the 180 days that I have them. And here I have been told to “teach” them from behind a computer screen. I have worked twice as many hours a day since we have been closed then I normally do when we are “in school.” I have not slept a full night. I have worried myself sick. I have eaten a whole lot of comfort food (why can’t I be the kind of worrier who can’t eat…?).
Julie Anne Taylor 