Spring, Rest, and Self-Care

Spring is most decidedly coming.  We can feel the energy in the sunlight and while there may still be cold days ahead, we know.  Somewhere deep inside we know that Spring is right around the corner.  Maybe it's the flurry of birds.  The longer days.  Something in the air.  A hint of buds on the trees.  Whatever it is, I'm sure you are welcoming it just as I am.  We need the extra energy that spring seems to bring every living creature.

Because we are tired.  Tired and even as we are stuck at home most of the time and not doing as much out there in the world, we are busy.  It feels like there is always something we have to do - whether it's school or family or household or job or anything else under the sun, we have so much to do.

So, let's take an hour to gather together and learn what we can do about that.  Just because we are busy and tired doesn't mean we can't take a moment to relax.  In fact, it's all the more reason to do just that!  There are lots of things we can do that don't necessarily need to take a lot of time, but can do a world of good for our state of mind.  The library has gathered a whole slew of De-Stressing Activities and Ideas into one place, for instance.

And next week is our first talk in the Honors Talk Series.  Sean Maley, Associate Professor of Mathematics, is also trained in Mindfulness and he is going to show us some techniques that we can use to slow down just a little bit now and then in our busy lives.  His talk, "Mindfulness for Busy People" will be held March 23, 2021 at 5:00 via WebEx.  Meeting information has been mailed out, and the link to it is right here.  The password, if you need it, is breathe.

Take some time out for yourself, because if you aren't taking care of you, then you can't take care of all the things you are responsible for.

"Come, Rest Awhile" by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Come, rest awhile, and let us idly stray
In glimmering valleys, cool and far away.

Come from the greedy mart, the troubled street,
And listen to the music, faint and sweet,

That echoes ever to a listening ear,
Unheard by those who will not pause to hear­

The wayward chimes of memory’s pensive bells,
Wind-blown o’er misty hills and curtained dells.

One step aside and dewy buds unclose
The sweetness of the violet and the rose;

Song and romance still linger in the green,
Emblossomed ways by you so seldom seen,

And near at hand, would you but see them, lie
All lovely things beloved in days gone by.

You have forgotten what it is to smile
In your too busy life­come, rest awhile.