Recently, we’ve been chatting here at TGSG about silence, wait time, and the things that can happen in those periods when we stop — take a breath — and let children and ourselves simply think or be. What happens when we slow down long enough to not only notice what is around us, but how something can make us feel?
Sunday, I challenged myself to hours of this. Setting out with only a goal of letting what was around me have time to sink-in. To really stop and smell the roses — or in this case, cherry blossoms and tulips. To notice how I felt, and to not rush to tell anybody about it. (TGSG Note: Now, I had the luxury of being on my own, which I know can be difficult to find. But I encourage you to try and find a few minutes each day to do this. And, if you have kids, try and give them a few minutes of alone time, too.)
Love this-- someone put daffodils in their hands!
As I walked the streets of DC, quietly smiling to myself at my little secret mission, I noticed a change in me. I forgot about everything that had been on my mind lately. Good things, bad things — every thing. I felt the breeze on my face, and noticed it made me feel giddy. The crunch of the stones on the path of the National Mall made me want to kick up my heels. The colors of nature made me feel humble. The bird songs made me feel hopeful. Sitting in a shady spot of the sculpture garden of the Hirshhorn Museum made me feel content. Watching children climb trees and statues in the garden made me feel happy. I could go on and on.
Walking home, I stopped to watch the sunset over the Washington Monument, as the die-hard kite enthusiasts worked their magic — tiny dancers in the sky. It was here I realized I had had the most remarkable day I have had in years. And what made it so remarkable was that — if you really look at it — it was really nothing special. A walk. Some time on my own. Being unplugged. But the fact that it was such an ordinary day, or what COULD BE an ordinary day, made it quite remarkable.
So, my challenge to you for the week is to find your remarkable in an ordinary day. Try 15 minutes. Get outside. Unplug, and let yourself be. Try and make sure the kids in your world get this time to. I think you will be very glad you did.
See you outside! – The Grass Stain Guru
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I heard about your blog on twitter. I love it! I have two boys. yes, childhood is messy. Scared the boy clear out of my oldest and my youngest, has raised me well. I had no choice – lighten up mom or lose your mind. He eats, sleeps, and breathes life. And you know what? I’m glad for it. he also epilepsy. His passion for life – is his saving force in many ways.
Great blog.
Bethe, I unplug daily walking Webster. He gets to snuff-a-luff and we make new discoveries during our daily unwind time, going around the block, taking a different path, or taking the path through the woods (he especially loves this). It’s nice to forget about everything I have to do and just enjoy the moment whether it’s raining, snowing, sunny, or windy!
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RT @balmeras: New post @ The Grass Stain Guru. R is for Remarkable http://bit.ly/8YnUX #playoutdoors
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from @balmeras R is for Remarkable @ The Grass Stain Guru http://bit.ly/8YnUX #playoutdoors
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Another great post!
I love visiting your blog! There’s always some wonderful words of advice or encouragement. And today, some beautiful photos of DC! Thank you!
Miss it? Today’s posy is up! R is for Remarkable @ The Grass Stain Guru http://bit.ly/8YnUX Pls RT #playoutdoors
RT @balmeras: Miss it? Today’s posy is up! R is for Remarkable @ The Grass Stain Guru http://bit.ly/8YnUX Pls RT #playoutdoors
RT @balmeras: Miss it? Today’s post is up! R is for Remarkable @ The Grass Stain Guru http://bit.ly/8YnUX Pls RT #playoutdoors
from @balmeras R is for Remarkable @ The Grass Stain Guru http://bit.ly/8YnUX #playoutdoors
Retweeting @TwilightEarth: from @balmeras R is for Remarkable @ The Grass Stain Guru http://bit.ly/8YnUX #playoutdoors
RT @balmeras: In case the night crew missed it: “R is for Remarkable” @ The Grass Stain Guru http://bit.ly/8YnUX Can U take the challeng …
RT @balmeras: In case the night crew missed it: “R is for Remarkable” @ The Grass Stain Guru http://bit.ly/8YnUX Can U take the challeng …
I’m very fortunate to live just a few minutes from the Pacific Ocean, and for me the perfect getaway is to take a barefoot walk on the beach. That feeling of my toes digging into the sand with the waves crashing next to me and the breeze touching my face is so rejuvenating.
While I often enjoy this time alone, I also enjoy taking my son with me. Watching him interact with the beach reminds me that the wonder we have for nature when we’re born needs to be rediscovered as adults.
We found ours in the backyard today. The sun was shining and we spent the entire day out back. At one point we stopped, took our shoes and socks off and laid on a blanket in the sun. Just listening to the birds, our dog and gathering in the Vitamin D!
Perfection.
LOVE your comments — and so happy to see folks unplugging and getting out there. Now, we just need to convince everyone else to join us!!
Deana: Thanks for this, “I had no choice – lighten up mom or lose your mind. He eats, sleeps, and breathes life. And you know what? I’m glad for it.” — That should be what everybody wants for a child — to learn to love & embrace life, not simply live through it.
Cheers to finding the remarkable every day! – Bethe