Everything seems rushed these days. The phone pings, a text alert comes in, a bill is due, work is hectic, or something needs an immediate response. Life can feel rushed. I always wondered if that is why we have seasons – to remind us to play (summer), to prepare and learn (autumn), to rest (winter), and to plant seeds for unknown growth (spring).
I have had my fair share of feeling guilty when I take time to myself or wait to return a phone call or when I spend an afternoon reading. Shouldn’t I be “doing something productive?” I forget that taking care of myself is the greatest gift I can ever give myself and always makes me available for others.
Even when I tell myself, I don’t have time, I will do everything possible to pause for five minutes to breathe, to walk, to notice, to listen, or to be quiet. I take five minutes to recenter myself so I can be present.
Recently I had to give a webinar to a large group. And even though I had done it before, I was nervous. Ten minutes before the webinar, I sat quietly and meditated. I paused for five minutes and breathed deeply in and out. Right before I opened my eyes, I took a photo to remind myself that it only took five minutes to recenter. Oh, the webinar was amazing, and the group felt my presence and joy.
Five minutes – sometimes that is all it takes to come home to yourself.
Will you take five minutes for you?