Is It Hammock Time?
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 12:05PM 
Time constantly moves, but sometimes we need to be still. We have to just breathe, not do, and quiet ourselves. Vacations provide a wonderful break to do this, but they can be few and far between. What are the benefits of introducing stillness more frequently? With our busy lives, how can we embrace the pause?
On a recent spring weekend afternoon, I basked in the quiet comfort of our hammock. As I stretched out between two giant oak trees, the birds chirped and the breeze barely blew. Restful greens surrounded me. The light blue sky peeked through a ceiling of trees. The hammock swung ever so slightly. I wrote, read, and thought while appreciating the calming effects of the scenery, sounds, and scents.
The benefits of the quiet were noticeable. I slowed down and felt better balanced. That sense of constantly needing to do and accomplish took a hiatus. Feelings of stress and restlessness went away. Energy was restored. Clarity returned to my thoughts. Gratitude for the surroundings, peacefulness, and pause filled my being.
If you don’t have a hammock what are other ways you can experience the pause? Some like to meditate, pray or do yoga. Others prefer being near water, woods, or mountains. Porch or playground swings can be relaxing. There are many ways to quiet the self.
Time is for doing and it's also for just being. What benefit do you get from pausing? What works for you?
Linda Samuels, CPO-CD
® is a compassionate, enthusiastic professional organizer, coach, author & blogger who facilitates change in others' lives. A revolving door empty-nester, she lives with her husband in a small, colorful home with a purple front door.
Reader Comments (6)
Such a wonderful reminder Linda, & indeed a lovely share of the benefits of your own 'hammock time'. For me, I call this 'Time to just be..' My favourite version of this, and there are a few, is when I visit my secret beach in Cornwall, England - I call it this because of its relative obscurity & lack of holiday makers, as well as the total lack of easy access. It a piece of secluded heaven, where you can simply sit on the warm sand, & hear the only the sound of waves in the distance, carried gently by the warm breeze. I have found that over the years this place seems to cleanse heart, mind & soul, leaving me feel softly energised with a feeling of surprised renewal.
My most recent visit was a few months ago, & although I don't visit it physically as often as I'd like, the simple act of making some quiet time & visualising myself back on my secret beach, pressing own mental pause button, returns me there & experience the earthy re-connection to the magic of being by the sea. My piece of heaven.
Now, if you are curious what my piece of heaven looks like, ask me & I just might share my secret with you in a picture...just maybe.
Grant- The imagery and peacefulness of your "piece of heaven" is delightful and intriguing. I would LOVE to see a photo! But even without the photo, I can imagine how incredible and restorative a place this is for you. What's also interesting is how you're able to "visit" there virtually as needed to also bring you quiet and calm. Thank you for sharing your special place with all of us. Just wonderful.
I often just stop wherever I happen to be - walking over a bridge in the city, for example and just take in all the sights, sounds, tastes, smells and how I feel. I sometimes record this for later. I usually stay about ten minutes in the moment and just feel the stress slip away. Similar to just stopping to smell the roses. I find true relaxation writing a short muse- inspired prose poem about the experience.
Susan- What a wonderful way to experience the pause. Allowing yourself to be in and appreciate the moment is fabulous. Then you capture your experience through words. Just lovely. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and share.
I live for hammocks ..I hang in them all day... I sleep in hammocks. and I sell and make hammocks for a living.
hammock
Hi Greg,
Can see that you're passionate about all things hammock. I can understand why. There's nothing better those times when I am "hammock-bound" and stay still enough to relax and take in the beauty all around. Most appreciate you stopping by to share with us.