You Are Allowed to be Still
Of course, I’m allowed to be still.
That’s what the entire world is supposed to be doing right now … nothing! I’ve discovered that I’m very good at doing nothing.
Citizens are mandated to run only essential errands and trips to the liquor store.
This is what I had hoped for — an escape from my job. To stay home, to roost, to rest, to reset.
What happens after stillness? Movement. Frantic. Frenetic. Fast. Back to the future.
So for now, I’m allowed to be still.
Time to ponder? Or not.
Time to produce? Or not.
Time to plan? Or not.
Time to be present? Yes.
I see the silver lining in governmental stay at home policies. (Other than not catching the virus and/or dying and/or contaminating someone.)
I have the rare opportunity to take a breath, and the earth is taking a breath with me. I read that China has been photographed from space for the first time in decades. The smog has cleared. Fresh air at last.
Stillness, breath, silence … except for the damn leaf blowers outside. But, they are easier to tolerate because I know that I have the rest of my day to enjoy quiet solitude. I’m not rushing out the door to complete a non essential errand, I’m slowing down. I’m coming to a stop. I’m still. I’m doing what I do best … nothing!
I have tried so hard to do something. Be married, be a mother, be employed, be responsible, be busy, be loved, be aware. (Beware!)
Finally, I see my gift.
Doing nothing. Being still. Being present. Being grateful.
