By Sister Mary Scholastica, O.C.D.
The spirit of summer often includes a desire to “let go” of the structure and obligations present during other times of the year, especially if one is attending school. For most of us out in the working world of adulthood, one cannot “let things go” entirely because responsibilities continue – bills still need to be paid and commitments to family, work and friends need to be kept. But even with all that we know we “have to do”, there is still a shift inside of us that indicates summer is a time of slowing down, resting, relaxing, just being. To just be. What a gift that is.
There are two aspects that are important to note in light of this. #1. Even if your day-to-day life seems to stifle all the space around you and overwhelm you with things “to do”, it is even more essential to build in moments of rest and relaxation. If your day seems impossibly full, you can still create pauses throughout the day. Before going into your next meeting, sit for a few minutes and breathe in deeply, thanking God for the gift of life. Before picking up your children from school, arrive a little earlier so you can sit in your car, turn off the radio and cell phone and just rest in His presence. Wake up 15 minutes earlier, sit with your cup of coffee and place your heart in His. Moments. Nothing earth shattering, just moments. These moments teach us and allow us to just “be”, not “do”. These moments that in the beginning seem so fleeting are moments of rest and relaxation that recharges, renews the body, mind and soul for the long run.
This brings us to point #2. On the other side of respite and relaxation is the need to stay aware and pay attention. Too often, “letting go” to relax means that we choose to move into areas that are harmful to us. Aimless activity that depletes our inner resources such as scrolling on your screen indefinitely, playing video games and binge watching interminably. To what end? Are you a richer interior person for it? Because who you are starts from the inside out.
The need to stay the course towards wholeness and holiness is never a path we can “take a break from”. In fact, every time we veer off the narrow path, we start to feel like something is out of sync within us.
You bring who you are into every moment, but there never is a “break” from that. Taking a vacation doesn’t mean leaving this behind. Resting and relaxing also means simply appreciating life, playing (or learning to play for most of us adults), engaging in a meaningful conversation, sitting and drinking in the beauty of a sunset, hiking up a trail, leisurely enjoying a meal with loved ones, reading a good book, watching an inspiring movie and the list goes on. It is a stance of resting in His presence and receiving the good things He wishes to give, the blessings of learning, love, friendship, beauty, feeding the mind, body and soul. May this summer be filled with many moments of “just being”. God bless you and be assured of our prayers!
