I did something I never imagined I’d do.
I took an RV trip with my family for 9 days.
One of my husband’s fondest memories was a 3-week RV trip with a friend’s family. This summer he was determined to make such a trip happen for our kids.
I was going to be a good sport and go along for the ride.
6 days later we were packed. Our Cruise America RV (awkwardly parked on our narrow tree lined street!) was loaded with games, food, 3 tubes of toothpaste, toilet paper, dog chews and miles of cords, headsets and devices.
As we pulled away from home I felt a friend’s wise words — don’t be in a hurry — settle into my bones like a slow exhale.
I felt it when my husband, known to hide a speeding ticket or two, pulled over with a new civility and moderation to let the faster cars pass. Most folks waved or gave a friendly honk. He was relaxed and I could sense that he was enjoying the change of pace.
At times I was aware of the habitual worry creeping in. What had I forgotten? Was there somewhere we needed to be? The creeping worry is indeed a fixture in my day-to-day life.
[tweetthis]Then I would stop and remember that feeling of ease when we first pushed off. “Don’t be in a hurry,” our friend had said.[/tweetthis]
I felt it just knowing that we were together. For 9 days we biked, played board games, prepared food, cleaned, and continually shared the experience of our new surroundings.
We hiked through the magical giant redwoods, biked along the Northern Californian coast (trying not to crash as I was awed by the splendor of the Pacific Ocean) and waded in the Rogue River while salmon jumped just feet away.
Don’t get me wrong, my kids did the normal bickering – etc. but I’ll save that for another post!
One of my solitary pleasures was getting up early to pick blackberries to share over breakfast.
I was sad when the trip came to an end. It was a sweet time of togetherness.
Now I’m home. Summer’s coming to an end with school starting tomorrow.
I’m wondering about that sense of ease during our trip. How do I re-capture the feeling of time slowing down, of being present with myself and, my children, husband and dog.
What allows YOU to be at ease and present in your everyday life? I want to know. Please share in the comment section below for the benefit of all our readers.
CONSIDER⇔SHARE⇔ACT
What allows you to be at ease and present in your everyday life? Generally and specifically.
What commitment are you going to make in order to bring more ease and presence into your life?
“Unplugging” from technology allows me to be present. I have fallen out of the routine, but I used to make Saturdays my day when I put my phone and my laptop away in my closet and simply allowed myself to be present with my family. When you aren’t constantly checking for that email, or thinking about that project attached to that email, getting/sending text messages, or even just checking facebook, life slows down and you truly show up to what’s here and now.
I’d love to commit to this – Sundays! I will start this week. Thank you Amanda!
Who wants to join me??
so true!!!
Don’t laugh – this is pure vulnerability. When you ask ‘what allows you to be at ease and present…’ the answer that sprang into my head was: All the work being done!!!!
Oh I have so far to go… (and yes, I do know that the work will *never* be all done.)
Thank you for the reminder to slow down.
Oh Sahara, I’ve got that same gene! There is so much to do! 🙂 Good to hear from you.
For me, it’s letting go of comparisons. When I can just tune into what my own heart is saying (rather than what I think others want or how they may judge me,) I feel more present and peaceful. That’s the general. The specific: not overcommitting! I just feel more present and at ease when I don’t have so many darn commitments. Thank you for the reminder, Lisa!
I love all these juicy comments. I’m taking on this reminder to listen to my own heart – taking that pause to check in – thanks Marcillie!
I have discovered that putting away phones in the evenings and pulling out a family game is a sweet time to connect. Our girls have just discovered Monopoly and while it can go on and on and on, it is fun to share a simple experience together without interruption. I hope we can continue this at least once a week when the madness of “back to school” hits. Thanks for sharing Lisa, so many wonderful visuals of summer bliss!
I really admire how you disconnect and focus on what’s important – your beautiful girls!
The best way for me to be present is to get up when I wake up. No alarm, just open your eyes and start moving. The next is to drive to work with out turning on the radio…just allow the thoughts of the day to flow through, giving clarity to what is important!
Greg – you make me smile – thank you. The diversity of responses is inspiring.
The knowing that I have journeyed to where I am and I have been carried by grace and believing in myself. I can rest in my faith in God and be humbled by the goodness of others.
I feel more grounded simply reading your contribution. Thank you for being here.