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Reflections
PUBLISHED BY REFLECTIONS RESOURCES, LTD. Summer, 2002
A MESSAGE FROM MARY MCGRATH
Summer is here and already the lilacs are signaling their departure in this northern gardening zone. Next round will be the lilies and peonies. It is as if they are on stage and taking their turns dazzling us with their color and fragrance. Lots of loveliness to see this season. May you make moments to take notice!
Slowing Down for Summer.
On a recent Sunday afternoon my husband and I made a spontaneous decision to leave city life for awhile and go to a country inn for dinner. En route we took our time to enjoy the scenery . Our mood was broken by speeding teens who zoomed past us. Having had speeding tickets myself I am not trying to be self righteous about driving more slowly! However, it brought to mind the value of slowing down a bit just to check out the world from a different perspective.
As educators who spend long hours in a school, slowing down isn’t that easy. As parents with many demands on your time going slow is also a rarity. However, since summer lends itself to a more placid pace perhaps you would like to give the following a try.
- Drive in the country - This can be done at or even below the speed limit. Notice the wild flowers hiding among a grove of trees, cows grazing in the pastures as you pass or stone fences dividing farm fields.
- Stroll - Again the pace is what produces the pleasure. What can you see in your yard or along your favorite running route because you are moving at a slower pace? Caterpillars? A penny? Ants on parade?
- Read - Savoring a passage of poetry or going over a paragraph that inspires you contrasts nicely to skimming the morning paper for tidbits of news or cramming for an imminent exam.
- Notice your yard - So often we see our yard as just grass that surrounds the house or apartment. Summer unveils budding bushes, stately shade trees, and plants. How about having a picnic in your own back yard or staking out a spot for a lawn chair or hammock?
- Look for Nests - Nature is renewing itself as birds quietly go about producing their next generation. Birds are quite creative about nest shape and location. Soon the last bell will ring. Educators will be off to other endeavors. Parents will regroup for focusing their families. Children can ease out of the busy mode too. Maybe they’ll be the first to notice the new occupants in your wren house.
© 2002, Mary Z. McGrath
Permission granted to copy and share this newsletter with others. When printing the article section please include attribution and contact information as below.
Reflections Resources, Ltd.
Phone: 952-894-7707 Fax: 952-890-3229
E-Mail: info@maryzmcgrath.com
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