Unforced Rhythms of Living
Have you ever thought about what it means to experience unforced rhythms of living?
This was a question I asked myself years ago as I listened to a pastor preach on the topic of grace. He shared that many people don’t experience the full grace of God, in part, because they are focused more on ‘the doing’ rather than ‘the being.’ Almost 10 years later, I still hear his voice in my ears. This especially true in moments when I catch myself in the doing.
Friends, it’s 12/31/2020 … the last day of a year riddled with so much doing and shifting and pivoting that it’s hard to keep things straight. As I reflect on 2020, ‘forced’ seems like the most appropriate word to describe many of the year’s events.
For example, we began 2020 in awareness of a contagious virus forced upon us. Each of us watched as news trickled in around the globe, helpless to stop the invisible enemy that inevitably disrupted humanity’s way of living. We initially responded by doing. It didn’t take long for us to realize, however, that the only way to reduce the spread of the virus was to simply be. What did this mean? In short, physical distancing from others and a stark shift in daily norms.
I recall being stopped in my tracks on the day I realized that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy routine outings, travel, or spend time with family and friends. Doing just wasn’t possible. And I was forced to consider the same question posed in 2011 …
What does it mean to experience unforced rhythms of living?
Honestly, the process of un-forcing things in my life was quite the challenge. I’m a detailed and goal-oriented person, historically clinging to tasks and to-do lists. I’ve always enjoyed the experience of checking off items in my goal planners. Anyone else? However, with business closures, a reduced workload, and an erased travel schedule, not much remained in my planner. Needless to say, with each passing day, I inevitably shifted into being.
Specifically, I recognize three ways I learned to experience unforced life rhythms …
- Being more present in the present. Truth be told, I’ve always lived a fast-paced and achievement-focused life. In addition, seeking the next big adventure, opportunity, and win has always been part of how I operate. With 2020 came a dismantling of many of these self-imposed rhythms. Instead of reaching for what’s next, I’ve begun to appreciate the here-and-now in a more tangible way — reflecting on what I’m grateful for each day and centering my thoughts on what’s happening right in front of me.
- Being more available to participate in family gatherings. I’ve always enjoyed spending time with my family. At the same time, focusing on graduate school, coupled with a couple of cross country moves, resulted in my having to make tremendous personal sacrifices for over a decade of my life. Translation — I haven’t always been present for family gatherings in the past. Missed family reunions and graduations and birthdays. 2020, however, created space for me to connect more regularly with extended family. FaceTime, Zoom calls, and phone calls, galore!
- Being more in tune with my creativity. 2020 forced much-needed self-reflection, with regard to re-igniting my creative juices. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed writing poetry, crafting songs and singing, and weaving creativity into my work as a licensed psychologist. Honestly, I fell so in love with flexing my skills this year that I took a risk and quit my full-time job to pursue my own consultation firm and psychology practice. So, there’s that! In addition to this, I’m writing a second nonfiction book and sending out letters to query agents for my first children’s book!
Beautiful things happen when we allow unforced rhythms of living to reign.
So today, on this last day of 2020, how might you afford space for new and unforced rhythms?
On a day that’s typically filled with hustle-and-bustle, preparation for NYE festivities, and endless lists of resolutions, I wonder what other possibilities might exist.
We’re about 12 hours away from 2021 and as I sit at my computer and sip a hot cup of hazelnut coffee, I’m thinking a nap may be just what I need. A simple afternoon. Slow rhythm. Unhurried and unforced.
Happy New Year in advance, my friend! 2020 has been a heck of a ride!
May you embrace unforced rhythms of living, not only today, but in the days to come …
XOXO,
M.
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