Everyone that knows me well also knows that switching off from working on Spirited Talk is not easy. It is my project that for well over two years I’ve been working on night and day - literally.
I love the work involved and there’s so many different areas of work involved with various skill sets needed. Probably every day for the past 800 days plus I’ve done something to advance the project, whether in graphics, website work, social media, editing, recording or even writing, there is always something I want, no, need to do.
There’s not a team of helpers on hand, or support I can turn to - it’s just me. I’m not complaining though. I want Spirited Talk to be something special for the small but growing community that supports it. But how and when do I relax? Now, that is a question!
Many of my close friends suggested that I should use my holiday as an opportunity to relax, unwind, recharge my batteries and switch off. Sounds easy enough, but there’s more to it than simply switching off. It’s a mindset that I have to overcome, relearn and get used to.
As I write this, I’m on a two week holiday on our favourite Island in the Canaries. We try to come here at least twice every year for two weeks at a time. We would come for longer, but circumstances at home don’t currently allow this. But one day, we will spend even longer breaks here.
When I pack for holidays, including this one, I pack a Microsoft Surface Pro laptop, a full sized iPad, a smart phone and my electronic notebook (Onyx Boox Nova 3). It’s basically enough for me to continue my work as I would at home.
I don’t spend every moment of the day working, well not quite anyway! I do more reading that I would at home. I meditate more, think, write, go for walks and other holiday things.
Am I relaxed? On the face of it you might not think so. Yet, in an odd way, I am more relaxed than at home. I mentioned above that I do more thinking. There a wonderful phrase that goes -
Often, we cannot appreciate the forest for all the trees are in the way.
When at home, I work all day, every day in my small office with three computers and three large screens. If not working in there, I’m in my studio recording. I’m immersed in the work for maybe 10 -12 hours every day.
I cannot see the forest for all the trees! I’m engrossed in solving problems, creating content and driving Spirited Talk onwards. But on holiday, away from the office it’s like I’ve stepped back a little. I mentioned above that I have time to think, to see the bigger picture, to appreciate the forest (Spirited Talk). I can plan easier and consider where I need to change direction and why. I can focus clearer on the path ahead for me personally and indirectly for Spirited Talk.
Already on this particular holiday I have been able to look more objectively at my work and understand where I need to focus and where not to continue working so much. I create a mental plan of what changes I’m going to make when I return home. What I’m going to cease doing and where I’m going to expand more.
Relaxing? For me yes it is. I’m in an environment where I can think, do some work and still enjoy the blue seas I see through the temporary office window.
To totally relax, to switch off, to forget everything and to live in this moment is not my thing! I actually don’t believe many people really do anyway. Some people use their holidays to walk, climb, explore, ride bikes, swim in the sea, drink loads and eat too much. They’re not relaxing in the true sense. They’re enjoying a different routine, climate and surroundings. They’re probably expelling more energy than they would in their normal home routines.
I’ve come to the conclusion that to totally be in a relaxed state of being is something that eludes me and my choice of lifestyle. I enjoy my work on Spirited Talk. Holidays are my time for enjoying more of the things I should be doing, such as writing, photography, meditation. They are activities that distract my mind and help me see more clearly. In doing so, I feel they leave me more relaxed overall.
One day this week, I decided to join Jane on the sunbeds. I was under the umbrella with my iPod Nano, earphones and digital book. I meditated, read some book and spent some time staring at the cloudless blue sky. I dozed some, I thought about things some and I relaxed some. I tried hard to not fill the empty voids with little tasks. That is my idea of relaxation!
Relaxing creates empty voids - ideal for creating!
There is no given way to relax. Each of us have different needs. One person’s notion of relaxing is likely entirely different from another person’s. I’m a creative type and that often makes totally switching off a difficult, if not impossible thing to achieve.
How about you?
What would you consider is your favourite way to relax and why?
How long could you go without thinking about your spiritual development, without praying, without meditating, reading, drawing or painting?
Define your idea of relaxation in one sentence.
❤ Do you enjoy More Words From Inspired Writing?
Help spread the word and recommend a friend.
Thank you for being part of this growing community. Your support is always appreciated and without you along would not be the same.