I almost didn’t write a slice this morning. See, there’s just not much happening here. As I sit in front of my computer with Charlie on my lap and listen to the cicadas buzzing their summer heat tune, I have very little on my brain. But this is good, right?
Julie Johnson at Raising Readers and Writers wrote her post today about weeding her garden, but it’s not really about weeding her garden. It’s really about finding your joy inspired by a book A More Beautiful Question by Warren Berger. I don’t have the book yet, but I was struck by this section on Julie’s blog.
In A More Beautiful Question, Berger pushes his reader when he asks, “Why are you climbing the mountain?” He describes those “who are trying to do everything – attend every conference, take every call, answer every message, read every tweet, seize every opportunity – not so much because we want to, but because we feel we must, just to keep up.” (Had he been peeking into my life too?)
He prods his reader further by asking:
- What is waiting for me at the top?
- What am I going to do once I get there?
- Am I enjoying the climb itself? Should I slow down, speed up?
- What am I leaving behind, down below?
Yes, Julie, he is peeking into my life, too. Are we all like this? Overscheduling and overdoing? Keeping busy every minute of every day?
Last week I traveled home to my parents’. I traveled alone, no children or husband, just me. I did this last summer, too, and loved my week with Mom and Dad. I now believe that this time is a beautiful thing. I didn’t do much. I read, walked, blogged, painted, took pictures, and I talked with my parents. Nothing memorable happened. I relaxed and did exactly what brings me joy. I didn’t climb a mountain or make any grand decision.
We all need to remind ourselves that it is OK not to climb the mountain every day. And to choose our mountains carefully.
I’d like to invite those of you who ponder these big questions and write about your spiritual journey to join Holly Mueller’s new roundup on Thursdays. We are writing and connecting in many ways.
I expected when I saw that you were writing about ‘nothing much” that it would be something good. I was right. How we need just the kind of time you describe.
Doing something that brings joy, just relaxing…that truly is a beautiful thing.
By the way, you crafted a line I really enjoyed:
“listen to the cicadas buzzing their summer heat tune”- I could hear them when I read that.
I am so glad you wrote THIS slice, Margaret – I needed to read it, and to hear it’s message. Thank you.
The visit to the parents sounds exactly like what I love to do, especially knowing that there will come a time when that is not an option. Pretty good post for not having anything on your mind.
Thank you for the shout out Margaret. I have a feeling that we have a lot in common. I am glad you wrote this post. I will check out Holly’s round up too.
What you are doing is exactly what we are supposed to do when on vacation. Relaxing and recharging–not full of activities. Listening and just being. I think those are the moments when joy will find us!
I needed this slice too. I am not doing much. I guess everyone does what is best for them with the free time in the summer – either being extra active or relaxing without agenda. I am glad you wrote.
Margaret, thank you for writing this lovely piece about life and how we live it. The message rang loud and clear with me.
Funny. You weren’t going to write, but then you created this. Loved this, “We all need to remind ourselves that it is OK not to climb the mountain every day.”
Cathy
Margaret, I have that book and with this post, you’ve moved it up my TBR pile. I love Holly’s link up on Thursdays. Thanks for sharing it here…I hope lots more people join us!