Now that I’m retired and no longer living by the seasonal rhythm of an educator, I’m discovering the need to be more intentional about my approach to summer living.
Regina Brett, who became a global sensation with her vital newspaper column “50 Life Lessons,” wisely said:
“Summer is the annual permission slip to be lazy.
To do nothing and have it count for something.”
Several summer pastimes spring to mind, activities that might be seen as “doing nothing,” yet they offer quiet meaning. May I suggest you take a well-earned permission slip and enjoy one of these gentle pursuits or other compatible ones.
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Sitting on a Bench: Observing, your outer or inner surroundings, without a device, without a book. Just savouring presence.
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Floating: Being buoyed by water, your body and thoughts are both carefree.
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People-Watching: Noticing others quietly, sipping something cool, engaging in a gentle study of human nature.
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Walking Without a Destination: Wandering without a route, seemingly aimless, but truly a walking meditation.
This summer, I’m letting the season be a permission slip to slow down and simply be. Wherever you are, however, you choose, may this summer give you permission to simply be.
-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ
Images: Luke Dean-Weymark/Chris Galbraith/Unsplash
