On a day when I’m considering how to simplify, you might wonder why I have not just one blog button but two in place.
I’m inviting you to join me as I embark on a “Slow-Down Fast”: a season dedicated to humbly and boldly simplifying and slowing (schedule, habits, activities, thought-patterns) in order to experience a more focused and intimate relationship with God in my everyday life.The “fast” will begin Ash Wednesday, March 9, and end on Easter Sunday.I’ll be preparing and planning for the next two weeks, publishing Slow-Down Fast posts on Saturdays in conjunction with Cheryl’s Simplify theme. To participate in Cheryl’s Simplify “carnival,” pop over to Culture Smith after writing and publishing something about simplifying your life. She’s got a linky up already for today.You can also link up ideas for your own “Slow-Down Fast” here:
Ann’s Personal Slow Notes:
I fill the tea kettle. Dishwasher sloshes, dryer whirrs, both machines working in the background as I sit to think, to write, to pray.It hits me: How rare to be alone.As a part-time freelance writer and editor, I work from home. I’m also, however, a home educator; thus, many hours are devoted to planning and guiding my children’s academic requirements; holding them accountable to assignments; helping them manage their time; listening to them practice piano, flute or saxophone; preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner; holding them to their chores and inspecting their work.Though this lifestyle may sound complicated, most of the time it is relatively simple.But it is a peopled life. As I said, I’m rarely alone in the house.On most days, I manage to carve out a few minutes for myself, slipping away to a quiet spot in the context of a full house. Some mornings I exercise in the basement on a stair-climbing machine; I try to read, pray and journal at the table before the kids come down for breakfast.But sometimes I just want the whole house to myself.Sometimes I want to sit at my desk—which is situated in the middle of a high-traffic area because we have no extra rooms for an office—and know that I’m not going to be interrupted. I’d like to finish composing a blog post or retreat message without the pounding of piano keys working out a tough solo a mere two-and-a-half feet from where I sit.I flourish in the simplicity of silence and solitude.
Though this is no sacrifice on my part, I’m going to ask my husband if he can help me find a way to have regular time alone in the house during my slow-down fast.And I’m going to bask in it now.How will you slow down or simplify?
The original version of this article can be found here: Slow-Down Fast & Simplify: Silence & Solitude
