Author: clfuu

From an early age, my Dad would wake us kids up by singing a bugle call. Even while on vacation, Dad always had a project going. He rarely took time for himself or his family as he was consumed with fixing, raking, shoveling, inventing. Rest was considered a sign of weakness. Intellectually, I understand and feel strongly about the need to rejuvenate and reset; and in spite of that knowledge, I still feel guilty when I do.
-Beth Murray (CLF)

What suggestions do you have for a person who has trouble slowing down fearing that time to breathe?

When did taking a nap become decadent? Something that we sheepishly admit we did, apologetically, or don’t admit at all. Anyone who cares for a young child knows how important naps are. Sometimes, oftentimes, it is important for adults too.
-Jody Malloy (CLF)

When did you last take a nap? How did it recharge you?

Rest is productive. Full stop. The time I spend healing and renewing myself is just as productive as the time I spend working. We need to re-train our minds to understand that.
-Michael Tino (CLF)

When have you redefined an important concept in order to be more healthy?

When I was a kid, every fall my parents would engage in a perennial argument. Dad managed the grain elevator, and during the harvest season, the farmers relied on him to be open late to take their loads for the day.  He would then stay even later to get the grain into the bins where they could be dried and stored. He would work 12 and 14 hour days sometimes. My mother wanted him to be more engaged than ever with the family, especially as the holiday season approached. This song from Etta James always reminded me of my father.
-Lori Stone (CLF)

“Woke up this morning, it was a fine sunny day
I said, ‘Daddy please stay,’ but he had to run away
Cause he was busy, busy makin’ lots of gold”

How do you find balance during the busy seasons of life?

A person needs to be rested to be at peace with themselves and with the world around them.  Rest helps a person think more clearly.  Someone may feel a need to be busy all the time to be “productive” but a rested mind is a clearer mind.
-Judy DiCristofaro (CLF)

Take a moment today to feel connected within yourself and to all of creation around you.