There was a time, maybe five or six years ago, when I would meditate every single day. Not a Herculean effort, by any means, but a habitual twenty or so minutes every morning. I had a routine where I would have my coffee and yogurt for breakfast, and then treat myself to a bit of a mental cleansing - a pause before the main events of the day. Like most routines, however, it didn't take much to disrupt my commitment. First, I became very ill, and then I was overwhelmed by the various curveballs life kept throwing my way... and without really noticing, it was a month, and then three, and then six since I had last sat down to meditate. I did not miss it immediately, but looking back it becomes quite clear that I was missing out on its benefits. That explicit permission to empty the mind of all its clutter and just shut off for a short time was deeply healing. I remember focusing upon the birdsong, or the sound of the wind in the trees - just taking some space to stop the barrage of self-critical, anxious, and intrusive thoughts was blissful.
Even if you aren't one for practicing meditation, you may still engage in specific activities that bring you a similar sense of peaceful quietude. Some people clear their heads with repetitive tasks, such as washing up the dishes or ironing the laundry. Others are solitary gardeners, or enjoy mindful walks or bike rides. Humans are social creatures, and yet we require a bit of time on our own to recoup and recharge. In truth, I believe that is one of the reasons why parenting a young child is so exhausting - when you cannot even get ten minutes of silent space for yourself, both your mental and physical capacities suffer. And so, opportunities for solitude can be a gift that we offer to others, as well as to ourselves.
I have revived my commitment to daily mediation. I'm starting off slow - just ten minutes each day. My favorite spot in the house is a little book-nook I set up in the dining room, beneath the skylights and looking out the French doors, onto the back garden. It's bright and airy there. I sit in my comfy chair and feel the warmth of the sun upon my face, and then I take some deep breaths and play a short meditation track on my phone. Just like taking my vitamins, I feel that it's important for my overall well-being. The day ahead might get crowded with worries, and chaos, and mess, but I can aid my mind's ability to cope and process with a regular commitment to respite. The precious balm of solitude can truly ease a worried mind. I feel tremendous gratitude for that sliver of time I am able to take for myself, focused upon nothing more than the breath within my body. What an absolute gift.