Rhythms of slow

My life is not slow. I wish it was. My friend asked me a great question recently: What does the world miss out on when you’re not slow?

“Ouuu, that’s a good question.” I answered, “Patience, gentleness, self-control, presence…. All the fruits of the spirit…basically a whole lot of good.”

Since Selah’s birth, we’ve been on the go. Selah will be four months this week and she’s been to Chicago, Florida, Nashville, and visited Guanacaste, la Fortuna, and Manual Antonio in Costa Rica. Within that time, we’ve also hosted four visitors and Michael has traveled to El Salvador twice for work. There hasn’t been time for an adjustment period as a family of four. I suppose you could say we took advantage of the fact that babies don’t have a routine yet.

August though... we’ve planned almost nothing for August, and we’re determined to settle in and focus on how to live intentionally and enjoy everyday routines. Today I’m bringing you along to plot out three simple rhythms that will help me to slow down in the month of August and that, hopefully, I carry forward the rest of the year.

1.      Cook real food

We generally eat well – vegetables, fruits and lots of noodles. However, I would love to learn how to make basic staples that are healthy and taste good. About a year ago I was motivated to meal plan and printed an entire book of recipes. It has been sitting on my shelf in a purple sparkle binder ever since. My hope is that one new recipe each week in August will help me to slow down and enjoy the process of cooking.  Or maybe I’ll really dislike it and then have to figure something else out.

2.       Read more

I want to reach for my cell phone less and for a good book more.  I’ve noticed that when I’m able to have some time to wind down and read, I feel better rested and like I accomplished something, rather than scrolling through phone apps and feeling no benefit at all.  Yesterday we purchased a bookshelf for the living room, and the girls had fun transferring all their books to the living room. I’m hopeful that this month we’ll take time to sit with one another and read.  

3.      Go to sleep early and wake up first

For me, waking up before the rest of the family makes all the difference to a good start in the day. It’s been hard with a newborn breastfeeding all night to rise before the girls yet I’m finding that when I stay in bed too long it isn’t helpful either. With visitors and travel I was happy to stay in my room and allow Michael to start the day. However, I’ve noticed that by the time I come out, the kitchen is a mess, and the kids are loudly seeking my attention. Not a nice way to start the day. So, in August, I want to figure out a slow routine that begins before the high energy and chaos of little hands and feet enter the room. Whether it’s walking, reading, stretching, quietly drinking coffee – whatever it is  - I’m hopeful that a new morning routine will help me to prepare for the day ahead and take things more slowly.

There it is – cook real food, read more, and wake up first. A slow progression towards a healthier version of me that can enjoy each day as it comes, with all the ups and downs of little children running around.

I’d love it if you joined the challenge, what three rhythms of slow would you choose for August?