Time and Space

What would you do if you were granted more free time? I used to have so many answers to this question, and, now that I am faced with more time, I am often at a loss with what to do with it. I have recently taken my shifts at work down from four to three. I did it with the intention of creating more space in my life for things outside of work and for moving on to a different line of work in general. I did it to make less and live more. To have more energy and redirect that energy. It is astounding to think of how much time we actually spend at work, and also, how much structure work creates around our lives. That structure is hardwired into us from whatever time we began to work. When that structure falls away, we are faced with ourselves, our lives and a vast amount of time.

I am inherently lazy. Double Taurus that I am, I can easily fill my days with nothing but reading and lying around. This, clearly, is not productive nor is it what I want to create with my time. So, I have set a routine aside for myself. I get up, I do an hour and a half yoga and meditation. I free write three pages. I go for a walk in the woods behind the house. If I have it scheduled that day I teach yoga. If the house needs cleaning I go to town on it. After that, I do a myriad of other things that range from walking downtown, going to visit with friends, reading, or trying to do something crafty. Mostly, I really try to just be present with myself. It is hard to face the things that tend to come up when I am alone. But, ultimately, I think it is part of the process of growth. I realize how very privileged I am to have all of this new free time and I am very grateful for it. I am using this time to get connected with my creative center and be open to new opportunities around me.

Autumn is on the way, and I can already feel her cool crisp breath in the morning. It is going to be an incredible fall season in the mountains and I cannot wait to be present for every moment of it.