Seasons and rhythms
In the evening, it’s getting darker by every day that passes. We’re approaching the darkest time of the year. It can be a gloomy and difficult time for a lot of people. I have to admit I also don’t like these short and moody days but I’ve slowly learned to embrace the good parts in it. Here in Belgium we’ve had a long and sunny autumn with beautiful and bright days which I’m really grateful for. Although these warm days somehow felt strange, uncomfortable and worrying as they’re sadly caused by the effects of the climate change.
In November everything is falling silent and nature withdraws in a contemplative rest. The colors are fading and the birds are migrating to the warm south. November reminds us of the continuation of time as we’re gradually entering the last months of this year. And the winter season is around the corner.
Maybe we want to have this dark time passed as quickly as possible. But nevertheless every day is a gift. With every day we have 24 hours to spend. The time we now have, will never come back. I think it’s a precious treasure.
‘Seize the golden light when the sun shines.
Realise that time is a precious gift, so make these moments last.’
Hollow Coves
Now that the busy summer months are gone by, we can retreat and settle for slower and cosy times. It might also be a good moment to reflect on how we use and value the time we are given.
When I’m struggling with how to spend my time and fill in my agenda, I like to learn from the benedictine tradition. According to the monastic father Benedictine the right balance between effort, relaxation and contemplation is the only way how we, as humans, can flourish.
That’s why the monks from this benedictine tradition live according a fixed daily rhythm with 8 short celebrations. All the other activities are arranged around those moments and have their own place in the day. So you can be available for multiple things without your attention being fragmented.
There’s so much to say about this Benedictine Rule but I just want to share some insights about how to bring it into practice in our daily life. It’s essential to develop a suitable day rhythm. A rhythm with a some fixed pattern of labour and relaxation, of bringing order into our environment and moments where you enjoy the beauty around you.
starting the week with a clear planning in which moments of work and rest are planned
taking the time to end an activity before starting the next
including time between the different activities in order for your brains to archive the one task and preparing for the next. See it as a quiet and open place in your planning, just like the monks who passed the empty courtyard garden of the monastery to go to their next place.
including even the smallest tasks into the planning such as travelling time, thinking time and sleeping time
planning the meals as they are essential to unwind
planning empty moments in your day (at least 2)
time for yourself; it’s not a luxury but a necessity to enrich oneself to be present for your tasks and others
I’ve experienced when I make a decent planning with these things in mind, it gives a great deal of rest in my week. I don’t have to rush as I know everything I need to do is planned on a certain moment. But on the other hand I often find it hard to keep onto my planning. That’s something I’m still learning…
These late autumn days are inviting us to make time for some cosiness and rest. Is there anything more pleasant after a day of work to settle down in a cozy and comfy cocoon? That’s what autumn season is about isn’t it?! Lighting some candles at dinner, adding warm blankets on the couch, making yourself a hot chocolate (with a sprinkle of cinnamon!) and reading a good book. These are the things I love most on those November evenings. What do you enjoy most during autumn season?
It can be really simple things, some small happy moments. Moments we really take the time to enjoy the little things in our life like harvesting some winter veggies, baking a delicious cake, making tiny dried flower bouquets, a hot shower or a walk in the woods. Or a pile of books waiting to be read and a scented candle…
And if you’re still looking for a cozy and creative activity on these dark days, there are still some places available for my winter workshop on the 21st of January 2023, and it will be all about light, winter landscapes, coziness and porcelain.
