I still take the season of lent, leading up to Easter, as a
time to reconsider life and make at least one adjustment. For many it is what
we are going to sacrifice or give up, though theologically it is more about
reconnecting to be able to the resurrection story more fully.
After working 7 days straight and having Ash Wednesday, the
first day of Lent slip past me, I thought that this year I would ‘give up work’ - well in the sense that I will take every Friday off at least. The intention is
to do something different each Friday in restoring creativity, physical,
relationships or just be. So last week I was in the Kwinana garden reshaping
Anne’s future orchard. This was followed by a sound meditation but I knew this
wouldn’t go so well as the compulsion to sleep when lying down in the dark at
7pm on a Friday night will always be strong. At least I had Anne next to me to
gently wake me when I was about to enter snoring mode. If not for sleeping it
would have been a valuable experience.
As for the next few Fridays, the intention is to break open
the paint brushes and see what creativity will emerge; reconnect with the
swimming pool; take my new (old) bike to the beach for its first time; play
guitar; catch up on reading books that I’ve been meaning to get to like Dark
Emu; some writing; buying some fruit/vege in bulk and try cooking up some
preserves; and visiting friends who may also have a Friday off; and have time
to be spontaneous. The list sounds like I need more than just a Friday off! I’ll
see how I go and what may emerge.
The counter story for this is the role of work in life. For
five days each week I invest my effort into meteorology and perhaps it is well overdue that the balance
is not right for me any more. Perhaps this could be a catalyst for something more
permanent post lent. At the very least it is an opportunity to try a new perspective.
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