Back in November, a hike I took with my husband along the Little River just outside of Asheville, NC got me to thinking…
The water rushed along beside us as we traveled on foot, sometimes roaring with whitewater, other times quiet in pools that seemed almost completely still. A lot of things were deposited on the river’s journey–leaves, branches and other items were lodged along the banks, swirling in little pools or stranded high on rocks by receding floodwaters.
With the coming of the new year, we pay attention to time passing, old habits we would like to leave behind, and new goals we set before us. Our lives can be much like a river and as our days rush past, lots of things are also pushed aside because we don’t have the time or energy to deal with them. In our homes there are physical items that are washed into the shallows: rooms that seem tired and out-of-date sit there awaiting our attention, our closets, drawers, and corners fill up with items that we haven’t had the time to sort or make decisions on.
Recognizing that our souls bloom more fully when inspired by beauty and soothed by simplicity, we can give ourselves time & quiet to sort through some of those things, and make sure we are surrounded by things we love. This is a way of slowing the current that is rushing past, and smoothing out the stream bed so things can flow with more ease…
We all have the ability to create peace and flow in our lives, but we don’t always give ourselves permission to create it as we so busily rush along. I believe that one of the best ways we can direct the stream of our lives (and not be tossed about by it) is to create a home that supports us with loveliness and simplicity– much like a giant river rock that the water happily glides over, smooth as glass.
If where we live provides us with a rejuvenating supply of beauty, order and balance, all kinds of amazing things will be possible for us in the coming year. What can you do around your house this week that will help things to flow, and your spirits to lift??
Here’s to an amazing 2014!
