Curling up in front of a fire, listening to the flames roar, and clearing my mind of the day’s stresses.
Soaking in a warm bath with a glass of wine and a great book.
Rocking in my hammock while the breeze blows and the birds chirp.
Relaxing- it might very well be my absolute favorite thing to do.
However, as a Mom, sometimes I feel like it’s my job to keep my son busy. To point him toward educational activities or imaginative play. To make sure he’s not sitting around ‘doing nothing’ or even allowing him any time to actually get bored.
I spend a lot of time keeping him from being still. Yet, when I think about it- my most favorite activities include doing just that. Sitting still and thinking. Taking deep breaths and sometimes not doing anything at all.
Over this break, I’ve tried to school my son in the art of relaxation. We’ve curled up with blankets next to the fire and just watched it burn. He truly enjoyed the stillness and the only sound being the crack and the pop of the wood. He even told me, “it’s nice to rest by the fire, Mommy.”
We’ve spent long periods of time re-reading his favorite books. Taken extra long baths. Rocked together in the chair, watching our favorite shows together.
I want him to know that life doesn’t always have to be hustle and bustle. That it’s okay to take a few minutes to unwind. I don’t mean being completely sedentary and lazing about all day, but the older he gets, the more time I know he’ll need to just chill out. His new favorite thing to say is, “I’m just hanging out, Mom.” And, I’m totally okay with it.
This year, I want him to know that while playing and keeping himself entertained is important- that it’s equally important to let his brain and body rest. I needed the reminder that we all need a little peace and quiet sometimes, even at 5 years old.
