Monday, February 4, 2008

Renewal


I ran into a friend at the grocery store. He was shopping for dinner. His wife was on a girls' weekend away to Williamsburg, but she would be home in time to eat, so he was getting everything prepared.

I got an email from another friend. She and her husband got away from the 3 kids and went away to Colorado for a long weekend.

The religious education director at our church is going on a 6 month sabbatical. She will be nurturing her soul & also visiting Costa Rica, the Maritime Islands, and Italy.

I am trying not to be green. But it isn't easy being not green. Oooh, I'm very Kermit. I'd love to get away for a little while. A one month sabbatical? A week? A day?

I'm whining. Dealing with diabetes grinds away at my happiness.

Nora made this hopscotch this weekend that curled in on itself. I was wondering about her thought process because you start on the outside and work your way in... to what? Where is "home?" Where do you turn around?

Then it struck me that this is a lovely hopscotch-metaphor for what I need to do. It's like following a labyrinth. I need to walk the numbers slowly round and round until I find a place of peace in the center. Renewal. Deep breath. And after living in that space for as long as it takes, walk my way back to the outside, refreshed.

This weekend's weather made it easy to find that inner balance & perspective. We're having a lovely little thaw that is coaxing daffodil shoots out of the cold earth. The cycle continues no matter what happens in our lives. Yearly renewal. It's working its way from the inside out in my garden, right now.

9 comments:

Everyday Yogini said...

I want a holiday too!!! But, you are right, we can find our center and renewal right where we are. Blessings to you, Naomi...

meanderings said...

Daffodils, already!? I am so envious.

Naomi said...

The iris leaves are coming up, too. It's been such a mild winter. Global warming? Hmmmm. We usually get some snowy February weather after a January thaw. It burns the tips of these jump start flowers! They must be pretty hardy!

jules said...

Oh how I wish I could have a break... just one day would be nice to recuperate my sanity... to live like those who aren't pancreatically challenged... how nice that sounds no worries for a whole day. But hey, did you ever know you were this strong?
Thanks for commenting :) I'm finally starting to feel better... must have been Mardi Gras!

Jillian said...

You will get a break from diabetes in time, when Daniel takes over on his own. (You'd love me as your kid. I don't think my mom has constantly worried about diabetes things since was maybe 12.) But then everything else will still be there, life's crazy that way. I really do hope you can find that renewal, even if it doesn't mean actually getting away from it all.

Ps. I'm pretty sure that a circle spiraling from the outside in signifies feeling like you are falling into a black hole. (Don't quote me on that.) So I'm glad you see it in a completely different way.

Naomi said...

Jules, I'm glad you are feeling better!

Jillian -- black hole? Well, maybe that's not such a bad thing! I think it would be quiet... (she types as her youngest child dumps school papers on her lap).

Shannon said...

I'm green with envy seeing those daffodils pop up (as I glance outside watching the snow fall).

Is there anyway you can plan a day or two on your own?

I think you owe it to yourself.

Happy mom, happy household.

Anonymous said...

I so enjoy your honest writing, full of candor and reflection, not mincing words but ever kind. I think you are talented and a lovely person. Your D365 photographs are always interesting, too.


I like the way you think.

Naomi said...

Amylia, thanks! Your comment just got me all teary! Sometimes I can't believe I'm writing all this, putting it out there. Yet often there's really nothing else I'd rather be doing.

I am always in awe of your words, how much you give, and you crystallize a moment. You inspire me and I appreciate your dedication to the DOC!!