How do you know when you need a break? How does your body tell you that it’s enough and you need to take a step back? I believe that our body is a vital part of us and we should listen more closely to her.
For me, it’s headaches.
This morning, I woke up with a sharp pain piercing through my head, forcing me to lie down again instead of starting my day.
It’s Friday, the end of a long and demanding week. I had a lot to think of, many unforeseen tasks that meant long hours at work and very little time to take a break. Now my body screams to slow down and I’m a bit angry at myself for having waited so long.
We need periods of respite in our lives. And this starts with little moments of rest when we allow our mind and body to slow down and step away from the world for a moment.
Like eating lunch away from the desk and savoring every bite.
Like going to bed at a decent time and not binge another episode.
Like holding your face into the sun and let it warm you.
Like shedding a tear when the pressure is just too much.
Like doing one thing at a time instead of staring at multiple screens.
Like exchanging the phone for a book in the evening.
Like taking a deep breath when the chaos runs high.
It doesn’t have to be much, but over time these small things build a habit of listening and granting ourselves permission to rest in the midst of full schedules, minds and lives. They will still be there, but we’ll approach them differently.
What are your little moments of respite this week?
Writing for Five Minute Friday today.
thisiskatha.com 
Thank you, Katha. For me it’s a walk around the lakes, my morning alone space with God and sometimes losing myself in a film or novel.
This sounds like a good combination!
ah, good questions indeed. :) respite comes as going for a walk or learning something new. :) FMF11
“Walking it out” is always a good idea. 🙂
I appreciate your list. Sometimes it’s the small things that benefit us most.
FMF #2
Yes!
I like your list of little moments of rest.
This is so good, Katha.
Thanks for shaing.
sharing
Thank you for visiting, Sandra!
Love this one! Thank you! … I live in the country and we keep a path trimmed for quiet walks. I also savor the early morning. By myself. With my cup of coffee. And my Bible. And God. Blessings! FMF#4
This sounds lovely.
Oh, you’ve written this so well.
I totally relate to that headache. When it happens to me, I often blame myself and think: why didn’t I stop earlier! Because usually, there are enough signals beforehand. It’s an art to listen to our bodies, isn’t it? For me, I do it by diamond painting. Or by going for a walk. Walking in the nearby forest. That always works like a little miracle. Sending love and thanks for your beautiful piece of writing inspired by this prompt.
Aritha
https://preciousbeyond.blogspot.com/
Thank you for your comment! I like the phrase “the art of listening to our bodies”. Have you read Hillary Mc Bride’s “The Wisdom of your body”? This might steer you in a good direction.
My body must do what I ask;
I flog me without mercy,
and compel each needed task,
not letting strength desert me,
for value is what I still do,
no longer who and what I am.
All that I can put me through,
everything that I can ram
into the goatskin of my days
earns my place, now and here,
makes me (maybe!) worth some praise
that just might allow me near
the presence of the Lord Most High
upon the day when I must die.
Theologically terrible, I know, but one can’t overcome an abysmal truth without facing it.
You’re right! Thank you for putting it into such beautifully blunt words.