When life is too much....

what's your "downtime" of choice? Lately, things seem more hectic than they should. Ok, maybe my defenses are down just a little bit, as well. But I'm trying to find that perfect balance, of what to do that would work wonders for restoring a little more balance in my life. Of course, there's always reading. But lately, my brain cells are in short demand for long concentrations, making it difficult to get a whole lot of my normal reading done. So, I'm reading Robert Fulghum's "All I Really Need to Know..." and there are some good inspirations in there.

Being that its fall, I know that if I were back in Ohio, days would be spent mowing and raking before winter sets in. And I have come to the conclusion that speed and efficiency do not always increase the quality of life. Take for example, the noisy engine of a power mower (not to mention the vibrations that come up through the handle). How can thinking be accomplished with that distraction? Fulghum tells of the Amish community who believe that things that do not serve the community, the family, or the individual well should be avoided. People can't sing together over the noise of engines. I'd take that thought one step further and add that when our own soul feels empty, a little bit of time with some hand tools, rather than power tools, might feed us as well.

Pushing leaves with mechanical air
is not the same as
hearing the wind blow through the trees.
-Fulghum

Take some time to feed your own soul!
HUGS to everyone!