Nothing says winter is a-comin' in like a few snowstorms, a new knitting project, and three great essays on the benefits of slowing down. Thanks, New York Times, Jana Richman and Pam Stone. Bears are not the only creatures who thrive on slow rhythms and deep relaxation!
 Meanwhile, Jana Richman—devoted writer and lover of trees—contracted a head cold last week that effectively shut down her entire life and demanded she do nothing but contemplate. And convalesce. And make like her black walnut tree. We all drop our leaves now and then. Now's a better time than then, she tells us. Be still and embrace that restoration.  | Strivers take note! This New York Times article says long life is achieved through sleeping in late, eating food from the dirt nearby, gardening all day, napping, and passing the evenings with friends. The small town lack of privacy might drive me wild on this Greek island. "It's not a 'me' place, it's a 'we' place." And that contributes to happiness and low crime rates. Unemployment is at 40%, but all are cared for. All are fed. All fit in. No rushing anywhere. "We simply don't care about clocks here." An eye-opening study of the absolute value of local foods and daily rest!  And Pam Stone shows us how. If you've toyed with meditation and mindful slowing down, but always jumped right back into busy, give the techniques in her blog a try. So many of my friends have reached the "I'm not invincible" phase. Where do you turn to refresh and recharge? How do you learn new skills when your whole life has been directed at achievement?! Pam says find time each day to rest in acceptance. Napitation. Anyone can do that! |
