Friday Morning

Activity and rest are two vital aspects of life. To find a balance in them
is a skill in itself. Wisdom is knowing when to have rest, when to have
activity, and how much of each to have. Finding them in each other--
activity in rest and rest in activity - is the ultimate freedom.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar tR
Celebrating Silence

As Friday morning rolls around, it occurs to me that  I have yet another weekend with nothing planned. Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining about it at all.  It's nice that those days that I had to accomplish a week's worth of housework and errands in two days are gone. Oh, how I remember those cooking marathon Saturday's where I barely had a chance to sit. Would never trade in my idle Saturday to go through that again.

Yesterday in our group on yoga and meditation, we discussed how we felt about being a senior, and the many ways we can make these golden years better for ourselves. Last week we had discussed the importance of staying active and not allowing ourselves to fall into a rut. This week we discussed the benefits of keeping a healthy balance in our lives.  The weekly question was 'what areas your life do you need to focus on to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle?' And, we were all in unanimous agreement that while keeping an active lifestyle is one key to health, it is equally important to take time out for rest and relaxation as well. This is a lesson that I am finally beginning to learn.

And so, this weekend, I plan to put into practice what I have learned...and not feel guilty about it.  So what that my closet needs cleaning, and the bookcase needs to be dusted.  They can wait until I take care of 'me'.  That's been a long time coming.

Wishing you all a safe and restful weekend. See you on Monday.

 Life is best enjoyed when time periods are evenly divided between
labor, sleep, and recreation...all people should spend one-third
of their time in recreation which is rebuilding,
voluntary activity, never idleness.

Brigham Young