Make a Space to Relax
It’s been a LONG time since I’ve allowed myself to relax at night! Honestly! On this December Friday night when Nick is working late, I have the 4 boys in bed by 8pm, lit my candle, poured my glass of wine, washed my face and ready to sit down with my journal and book. There’s always way more expectations of what I’m hoping to do than actually happens ;) There’s realistically 30 minutes of brain power before crashing into relaxing happens ;) but as I happily sat down and felt my body desiring that breath…I remembered how important the space is. How the little things, again, are everything. In our homes, it’s all about preparing the little things - the pillow, the comfy seat, the book laid out. It’s all about a little corner with a Mary statue or picture of Jesus…believe me by a million times, it will NEVER be about money. Allowing ourselves to relax (even weekly taking the Sabbath) is never about all of the million things we “need.” It’s about cultivating a space with what we already have.
Making a space for ourselves as women, drives our desire to make a space for our children. I’d wish to inspire others to make a space to relax. Use one candle, clear off one little table, lay out the warm drink, prop the book right side up. As humans, we long for that little section, like the little desk area, that feels welcoming to us. As I try my best to relax tonight, I’ll be praying for the mamas out there trying to do the same…it’s learning that we will never, ever get a “break,” it’s that it’s up to us to make a space for them, and to make them happen :) When our kids, or our friends, our spouses - see us trying our best to do this, they will end up doing the same :)
“The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort, you were made for greatness.” Pope Benedict
JoyMama Tips:
Create a rhythm and a way to relax. Daily and weekly Sabbaths.
2. Strive for your body to enter the parasympathetic state.
3. Create a small space in your home. One corner, one chair, one table area…use what you have.
4. Receive the Lord and the goodness He’s given!
5. Read “The Seven Sacred Pauses.”
Happy Sabbathing!
In Joy,
Alex