1/16/22

One idea to keep it slow and simple… Find rest in joy

As year three of the pandemic sets in, a lot of us are feeling weary and restless. It’s a strange kind of tired. One that asks for rest, but craves something less…restful. Because in many cases, what we crave isn’t a break for tired bodies, but a means to refill depleted stores of joy.

This is even more true for those whose day-to-day lives require deep and continual energy—from the work of parenting, caring for elders, or carrying on the work of justice and the legacy of Dr. King. So much work requires and deserves our creative energy. And we are often bombarded with messages that sell us material comforts as a form of rest.

I realized this recently, after a draining week, when slowing down and cracking open a book amongst my material comforts wasn’t cutting it. What I wanted…really wanted, was to laugh, to go dancing, to experience joy. I took a walk and listened to a podcast that made me laugh out loud. I came home and played the Just Dance video game with my teen, cracking up at my attempts to match the moves.

These activities were not restful for the body, but I laughed and smiled and felt refilled. What brings you joy and refills your cup?

And some clickable fun!

We love to discover and share, so we’ve added three cool clickables. And just so you know, when we list products, it’s just because we like them. We’re not sponsored by anything but our dreams and imaginations.

• If you’re looking to rekindle your creative side, Julia Cameron has thoughts about how to adapt her famous book The Artist’s Way to live during the pandemic. Read about her new take on artists dates and more.

• Want to try out Just Dance without purchasing the video game (yet)? They have a Just Dance YouTube channel with video playlists you can dance along to. Try the Dance Party Classics, Workout from Home, or Family Favorites.

• Use MLK Day to learn about the Poor People’s Campaign, founded by Dr. King and others in 1968 and still going strong today in continuing work towards an economy based on care.