My husband is gone all day today for work. I have the house to myself for the next six. There is silence and stillness and a sense of having my own space in a different way.
I love that we both work from home. We get to touch base in real time throughout the day and often eat lunch together. My husband has an office in the upstairs of our barn, so our phone calls and meetings do not interfere the other's, and we have plenty of space not to be tripping over each other.
There was a time when he commuted to work and was gone for twelve hours a day. I know that routine, and love this one even more because of it. I am truly grateful for our current setup.
Nevertheless, this morning I am reveling in the spaciousness of my alone time. In reality, it is not too different from a typical weekday - Todd could simply be out in his office and the kids off to school. And yet, it feels different.
I realize that I have not created much room for solitude in my life lately. Even though I spend a good portion of my day by myself - it does not feel like solitude when I fill that time with tasks and measure its value by my productivity.
My intention for this week is to find opportunities for solitude. Alone time that does not involve productivity. Not that productivity is a bad thing - but I too often put my focus there.
What happens when I find time for reflection? Or reading poetry? Or hiking in the woods?
Here is what I suspect:
I suspect that I will find that I have more time in my life than I realize.
I suspect that I will find that I have more space in my mind to stay present.
I suspect that I will find that I carry more ease in my body, less tension, fewer furrowed brows, more smiles.
I suspect that I will find that silence and stillness are more accessible than I thought - I just need to stop and notice.
I am off to explore the day's solitude, and I will let you know what I find.
What is your relationship to solitude? How might solitude become an ally for you?
I love that we both work from home. We get to touch base in real time throughout the day and often eat lunch together. My husband has an office in the upstairs of our barn, so our phone calls and meetings do not interfere the other's, and we have plenty of space not to be tripping over each other.
There was a time when he commuted to work and was gone for twelve hours a day. I know that routine, and love this one even more because of it. I am truly grateful for our current setup.
Nevertheless, this morning I am reveling in the spaciousness of my alone time. In reality, it is not too different from a typical weekday - Todd could simply be out in his office and the kids off to school. And yet, it feels different.
I realize that I have not created much room for solitude in my life lately. Even though I spend a good portion of my day by myself - it does not feel like solitude when I fill that time with tasks and measure its value by my productivity.
My intention for this week is to find opportunities for solitude. Alone time that does not involve productivity. Not that productivity is a bad thing - but I too often put my focus there.
What happens when I find time for reflection? Or reading poetry? Or hiking in the woods?
Here is what I suspect:
I suspect that I will find that I have more time in my life than I realize.
I suspect that I will find that I have more space in my mind to stay present.
I suspect that I will find that I carry more ease in my body, less tension, fewer furrowed brows, more smiles.
I suspect that I will find that silence and stillness are more accessible than I thought - I just need to stop and notice.
I am off to explore the day's solitude, and I will let you know what I find.
What is your relationship to solitude? How might solitude become an ally for you?
Jessica Curtis is a professional life coach who helps people cultivate intention and live from a place of meaning and authenticity. If you think you could benefit from working with Jessica or want to invite her to work with your group, reach out to start a conversation.
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