This morning, I flew home from near-perfect sunny weather in the desert to our snowy (inside AND out) polar vortex home. I’m struck by the vast difference in the quality of light here. Our home, bathed in cool clear light has a monastic, quiet, ethereal mood that easily ushers me into stillness. A year ago, I shared these images and thoughts about aligning with nature, adopting its pace and slowing down. Slow Living At Home & Ideas for Cultivating More Peace Now shares authentic glimpses of the sacred in the everyday.
Slow Living At Home & Ideas for Cultivating More Peace Now
Going to sleep at an earlier hour, carving out time for yoga and gentle stretching, baking bread, meditation, cozying down with a book on the weekend, and planning a relaxing vacation where ‘hustle’ is distant from the vocabulary?
Those are all intentional ways I am currently living slower.
By the way, these images aren’t styled or zhushed.
(Let’s face it…you spy plenty of gorgeously composed vignettes to inspire from others in my archives!)
The Christmas-y things have been stored away, and we’re living with things bare for a little while.
Bare feels good, and so does this new “only looks real” succulent in an awesome heavy pot.
Daring to Be Spare is Rare
And don’t think for a second you’re going to find hashtags such as ‘living my BEST LIFE’ sprinkled into this post!
Hahaha.
I am the soul trying to embrace reality, previve cancer, and grow in wisdom, not grow an empire of influence.
Plus. ‘Best’ somehow implies I’m going to be graded, compared, or judged; the first half of life brought quite enough of that, thank you very much.
Real life in 2021 is stressful enough without the masochism.
The idea of ‘surviving modern life’ or living a ‘good enough’ life may not have been attractive pre-2020, but we have had so much time to assess such matters.
This quote (shared last year) continues to resonate at the moment:
Oui?
Savoring the Sweet in the Slow
I have okay days and not so okay days, and I tell you what…
I appreciate the more peaceful ones so much now!
When my GI illness is calm, and I can smile…oh, mercy.
Simple things such as the ability to do light housework, swim a a lap, play music on the piano, or bake something delicious are so lifegiving.
I know you get it.
When you live with chronic illness and grow weary, such simple things are cherished.
Resistance to Share the Shadows
I would prefer NOT to push ‘publish’ on posts such as this one. I’d much rather keep the reality of life with illness under wraps or report remission is dreamily here.
Hopefully I am turning a corner. I have gained a couple pounds and begun to do light exercise again. But there is much healing to come, and until it’s here, a slower pace in tune with nature will do.
Slow Living Tips from an Expert
Here’s a great place to start if you too desire a slower pace.
Moving Forward Slowly & Imperfectly
Since I can blog from anywhere, I’m fortunate to travel when I have the strength.
I’ll be heading for warmer temperatures again soon and hope to get liberal doses of fresh air and beautiful scenery.
Of course soaring above the clouds is not a small thing these days, so it may be a road trip for us.
I’m ever grateful to have a travel companion on the journey who cares for me in a way that keeps me feeling as though I am quite enough.
Weak though I be, I am enough!
And so are you.
Words of Affirmation for You
I’m raising a half-FULL glass of Rosé champagne to you (since I can only have a wee bit these days) with this whole-hearted toast:
HERE’S TO LIFE LIVED SIMPLY yet FULLY AS THE GIFT it ever is…where LOVE is always the point.
What Keeps Us From Slower, More Peaceful Living?
There are multiple paths toward peace when you decide to say YES to its invitation.
Lord knows I have sought those paths over the years journeying through doubt, darkness, and despair.
At times, my pursuit of light is a desperate, feverish one.
Desperation seems to be a prerequisite (at least for me) for inner peace if only because it signals the end of my personal resources.
I don’t know anything at all about the actual mechanics, but I’m not magically summoning light into my heart.
Rather, the light is always here waiting for me to become permeable to it.
Love’s tender healing radiance waits within the stillness for my surrender, for my wordless, consenting YES.
10 Smart Ideas for More Peace
Reducing a peace pilgrimage to a Pinterest infographic that doesn’t even ring very spiritual and forgets to mention meditation…seriously, Michele?
Who does that?
I know it’s imperfect and insufficient, but could it be a start? If we all PIN it, do you suppose there may be ripples rippling, the likes of which we may never know?
(I can hear the groans…your list doesn’t even mention the peace a dog, cat, or pet brings!)
And I hear you.
While I believe in the power of prayer and have built spiritual rhythms such as meditation into my day, a lot of folks long for concrete ideas for embodied gestures as a bridge to more ethereal ones.
And please don’t think embodied gestures are inferior gestures.
Mind Body Spirit Matters
After years of rejecting the body* (and accepting poor theology), it has been necessary to relearn what a precious and sacred part of wholeness it truly is.
*Unfortunately, a chronic illness can make it difficult to trust the body and enjoy simple pleasures such as eating.
You already know the strength when there is harmony of body-mind-spirit.
BTW. Number 8 is decidedly not ’embodied,’ but it is so important to let go of shame and forgive yourself in order to welcome more peace.
Our bodies hold on to shame, pain, and regret, but we can show them the door!
You could pair #8 with number 4 and write post-it notes to yourself (i.e. IT’S A NEW DAY – YOU ARE FORGIVEN FOR WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW YESTERDAY!)
One more thing regarding #10 (invest in relationships)…if you truly want to love another purely, keep this in mind:
Thanks for listening, friends. If your journey is more of a fast pace of living complete with #livingmybestlife hashies, I also honor your journey.
Our diversity and our differences make us beautiful teachers for each other!
I have felt gently held in the buoyancy of your kindness and prayers in recent days and am praying for you too.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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M.
Thanks for your transparency – not very common in the ol’ blog world.
This scripture came to mind as I read this post.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made Psalm 139:14
Lifting you up today – Gods power is made perfect in our weakness.
Marilyn
Author
Thank you for bringing me the Word and for this timeless reminder. What would I do without the Psalms – the sweetest comfort I know. xox
Your post touched me, but not “for” me… Rather for YOU! I am moved by the Lord with great compassion to intercede on your behalf. What a lovely woman you are from the inside out. May His peace cover you and comfort you and may you feel His presence. He is holding you in the palm of His great hand. Onward! Psalm 91.
Lori
Author
Powerful healing words of love, Lori. Thank you. Thank you for the Psalm – and the image which brings such comfort. You’ve blessed me.
THIS is why I love your blog so much!! Girls living a ‘good enough’ life unite!! 😁I appreciate your honesty/authenticity…so refreshing & I relate on so many levels. I don’t battle w/chronic illness, at least yet (though I dealt with DCIS stage O two yrs ago & sprained my ankle last week), but my husband does. His diabetes, which totally makes it difficult to trust his body & enjoy the simple pleasure of eating, is something he must contend with everyday at every meal. As you know too well, it’S SUCH a challenge that can wear you down esp’lly when things get even more out of whack than normal at certain times (which is the case right now for him🙏🏼). He’s always pointed our fam towards the simple life…there’s truly enough chaos as is without self inflicting more as you said! I love your sparse yet lovely/calming decor and it’s what I’m going for in our new home…I guess that explains why I’ve yet to hang one single thing on the wall so far or put together more than a couple small vignettes! 😁I’m definitely going to be VERY selective because, especially at mid-life, less is truly more! Plus I’m getting rid of as much ‘crap’ as I can now as we move in to save our 5 kids from having to deal with that down the road & it feels SO GOOD! Thanks again for sharing your wisdom from the heart ❤️.
Author
I love hearing more about your story and life, Amy. Thanks for supporting me for sharing mine. Two straight days of feeling pretty dang human for me! I could get used to this!!!! It’s why I’ll never get too proud to ask for prayer – I truly depend on God’s grace and the prayers of his kids to manage the assorted issues that are my reality. Being joined in them helps so much. It’s so much easier to live with less at this age – easier to clean, easier to stay focused on the present…My very minimal sister has this thing where she looks at one of her rooms and thinks, “how fast could I pack this baby up?” and that comforts her. Great point about making it easy on our kids who inherit all our junk! Thanks for reading, friend. Sending peace. xox
Michelle
Your writings today really touched my soul. I have had double total knee replacements this winter. I , too, have multiple immune system issues. The trauma of the surgery has sent my entire being into a state of total disarray. As if the main event( double knee surgery) wasn’t enough, dealing with the pain in multiple body parts, jacked up gut, and more/ it is an act of strength and courage just to arise from bed and try to be functional . Your thoughts and words are very inspirational and give validation to living a slow and determined life as best as one can , given each person’s particular circumstances.
Thanks and God bless you you❤️
Author
Thank you for sharing part of your story here, Mary. I know a little about one knee replacement with my mama, but the double must bring on incredible levels of pain. I’m thinking of you. I helped my mom recover, and I’m aware of all of those side effects from meds and anesthesia which linger. Not for the faint of heart. It’s going to get better, friend. This is going to pass. If I could hold your hand, look you in the eye, and say the words with conviction, I would. You are healing, and I am sending more light across the fiber optics and more prayer to hold you as you strengthen. xox
Wow, such total honesty and putting your whole self out there. Your post reminds me embrace each day and each person who passes our way. It also reminds me to never stop praying or believing that God is right there with you and all of us each step if the way. You passed along so many beautiful nuggets of truth and the most important one is to savor my family and sweet friends who are precious gifts and quiet myself and reflect on God’s glory. Your beautiful home looks like a sweet retreat. You are in my prayers.
When my heart is faint lead me to the Rock that is higher than I ❣ Psalm 61:2
You are in my prayers!
Author
Ahhhh, thank you for this Psalm, Jayne. What a comfort it truly is – lead me to the Rock (with a capital R, mama!). I’m so blessed to have support and appreciate your prayers so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
This was a lovely post, Michelle. You’re home is so peaceful. The reminder to slow down was perfect for me today. I’m sending healing thoughts and prayers your way.
Much love to you,
Mary
Author
Thank you for the kind thoughts and love, Mary. Peace to you right where you are.
I like number 9 about swallowing frogs. I am going to do that. Also, love the big white vase your white Roses are in on the table. Hugs.
Author
Hi Colleen! #9 is a good one, isn’t it? When I can tolerate it, I like rewarding myself with chocolate after swallowing the frogs. A chocolate chaser, if you will. Hahahaha. That big white terracotta vase was found in Franklin, TN, where we vacationed last summer. Hugs right back, friend. xox
So lovely! The photos, the thoughts, the words. Thanks.
Author
Thank you for reading, Angie! I’ll be over to your blog in a jiffy. 🙂
Yes, I get it!
Absolutely beautiful and so needed for me today as I have been in bed for 4 days with flare up/flu/food reactions? Not sure what is exactly going on but this is the first time I have felt really awful since returning to teaching in late November. I even made it through the stress of the holidays and thougth it was going to be smooth sailing.
I am trying so hard to fight fear over chronic illness relapse, no…I am going to rebuke fear!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful post!
Author
Praying for you this moment, Amber. You’ll be feeling more balanced in no time, and this will pass. Thank you for these words of kindness. Yours is such a beautiful soul, and what a blessing that the wisdom and love there overflows and reaches corners like this one. Peace to you, friend. xox
Michele,
OH sweet lady I so love reading your posts. You remind us all that we all are dealing with something. I hope that you enjoy your time away and the warmth that it will bring. We need to enjoy each day. As always your home is so lovely ans serene. Congratulations, you are being featured on Thursday Favorite Things. I hope you stop by.
Hugs,
Bev
Author
Thank you, Bev. Hoping to have time to link up to this week’s party as there is always fresh inspiration to discover. Peace to you, friend.
Thank you for sharing this post Michele! It is so beautifully written and thought provoking. I came over from Theresa’s feature on TFT and now have been here all morning! I loved your desert pictures by the way. I lived in Arizona for quite awhile and still have family there. So many overlook the beauty of the desert. So many overlook the beauty of each day for that matter. Sometimes we need a push from someone who knows how precious each one is to open our eyes and see the beauty. That is what you’ve done for me today so thank you so much! You are in my prayers and I hope the peace that you’ve created continues to surround you.
Author
Oh, Denise, thank YOU for adding to the beauty here – I’m so happy to have you visit and look forward to discovering your beautiful blog. It took me some time to appreciate the splendor of the desert. As an overly sensitive artist type of person, the landscape can be overwhelming to the senses. But I have come to love it as much as the lush forests and meditative seashores. I’m not especially wise, but I am trying to be more present in each day’s beauty because there is just so much to savor. xox