Slow down and Relax

Posted on by Miriam

Do you find it hard to slow down? Or even guilty at the thought of doing nothing? If you do you’re not alone, except when it comes to my dog Harry. My regular readers know how much he loves to chill out.

img_1512

I’ve posted numerous photos of him sprawled on his back or with his head hanging out the window, the wind rushing through his motley fur. And other photos of him looking even less dignified, legs spread eagled. There’s no doubt he’s the relaxation guru at my place.

Harry looking up at the sunset (800x600)

Perhaps it would be different if he had to worry about where his next sausage was coming from. Or if he understood that chasing rabbits out of the yard wasn’t a profession.

But he doesn’t seem to care, or maybe he knows something we don’t.

Maybe we take things too seriously. Have we, in our busy lives and every day routines that threaten to overwhelm us, forgotten how to slow down and just be?

Our furry four legged friends seem to have no such trouble.

They know how to enjoy the moment. Smell the roses.

Perhaps we need to take a leaf out of their book.

Okay, we don’t need to go so far as hanging our head out of the car window but we can follow their lead in other ways.

Doug and harry

Maybe that’s why I love camping so much. Peaceful mornings, walks in nature, watching the sun go down, stargazing, appreciating the simple things …

Enjoying drinks at the end of the day, or even in the middle of the day, whenever we want. We’re away from routine and it’s all about enjoying the moment.

relaxing-at-frys-flat-800x600

Life is laid back. But it can be like that at home too. We don’t need to be on holiday to slow down.

Meditating, turning the phone off, lighting a candle or essential oils, a massage, listening to music or just losing ourselves in a good book can work wonders.

Even baking, which I did yesterday, relaxes me.  I made museli, my usual banana and raspberry cake and coconut biscuits. Whatever works for you.

Maybe we should all cut ourselves some slack and slow down the pace.

As December ramps up and Christmas draws closer, where ever you are this week, I hope you find some time to put your feet up and relax. Reconnect with yourself.

relaxing-with-harry-533x800

Find some space to do the things you love.  You’ve worked hard and you deserve it.

Make some time for some self nurturing. I know I’m going to try.

walking-lakes-entrance-beach-800x600

In response to The Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge: Relax

78 thoughts on “Slow down and Relax”

  2. I’ve always joked I want to be a cat in my next life. Our cat, Buddy, has the life. He gets to come and go as he pleases, nap, play, chase birds, nap, play, chase birds, then fed and petted. But you are right, slowing down is good. I want so much to. It kind of goes in spurts. I wish it was more consistent. Thanks for the reminder, Miriam! Glad you were able to relax.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. Amen! I hope you find more time to just be!

    It’s hard – I think, as a culture, we’ve gotten into this notion that being busy somehow means we’re important or needed or something. But it’s so necessary to just be. To be still. 🙂

    *hugs* ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. Pingback: Relax: Sunset | What's (in) the picture?

  10. A lovely timely post, Miriam as the last few days have been craazy busy and I never seem to catch up with myself. Can’t help but smile at Harry and his wonderful relaxing mode. I’ll definitely try to take a leaf out of his book…sunning on the deck would be nice but too cold, I used to enjoy putting my head out of the sun roof as young, but not allowed anymore. Sitting down some time with a book, cup of tea and stopping!perfect. To be in the moment!😀😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  17. Ah! What a soothing post! You are so good at writing calming posts! I loved your pic where you are sitting under the sun reading a hardbound edition.
    While the weekdays sweep away with the office errands I try to slow down the pace by ‘doing nothing’ on weekends. I try to live the day so that time doesn’t pass away quickly and I am back to the taxing Monday!
    I pick up a literature and read it under the sun. It feels so good! And I pause at times to see the sun shifting position, children playing , the sky changing colors.. By the time it is evening and the sky is all orange I go to some park and meet friends on way.. It all feels so nice!
    Reading your post got me those weekend feelings back! It’s Tuesday.. I so look forward to the weekend again! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. What a wonderful comment! Thank you so much for painting such a vivid picture of your own way to relax. I’m glad I was able to evoke those weekend feelings of calmness. May the week ahead be a good one for you. leading to another weekend of doing whatever your heart desires.

      Like

      Reply

  18. That’s a reminder I should take a print out of and stick on my bedroom wall! I’m always in a hurry as though I will run out of time before I get everything done! I always think that I will slow down when I’m on vacation, but even during vacations it’s always a mad dash to visit all the places before I have to return. Sometimes I wonder, what did I achieve from running around like a headless chicken? I should learn to slow down and enjoy the more important things in life! Thank you for the reminder in a beautiful way, Miriam 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’m glad I could help, even in a small way Rashmi. I’m guilty too of going places and trying to fit as much in and do as many things as I can. I’m learning though that sometimes we have to choose what to do and simply make the most of our time there.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  19. You are so right, dogs do know how to relax! Which probably explains why most of them have such wonderful personalities. We humans can learn a thing or two from them. Personally, sitting in the sun, reading a good book is a terrific way to relax for me. And I’m going to try to make sure I do it now and then in the next few weeks, too. Thanks, Miriam!

    Like

    Reply

    1. My pleasure Ann. Now go get that book, pull up that chair, soak up a few rays and enjoy! Come to think of it, I might even join you. Oh, and with s cuppa of course.

      Like

      Reply

  22. Lovely Miriam! I did not end up doing this challenge because I have so much energy that I find it hard to relax. I do enjoy taking hot baths, listening to music, playing piano, reading a book, drinking wine, etc. So I do relax,but that I probably should more! Love the dog shots too. Reminds me of our puppy. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  26. You know I’m a sucker for Harry. That face….that tummy…that nose. What a doll. I’d like to pop into those last two pictures Miri. You look so peaceful.
    I think this is a beautiful message we all need reminding of, especially this time of year. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  30. What fun pictures of Harry! I especially love when he lays flat on his back. Reminding myself that it’s OK to unplug and disconnect for awhile is a perennial challenge for me. I also love traveling as a way to de-stress. It is easier when I’m away from home, because the simple fact is that I *can’t* do all those lingering chores like laundry, cleaning the closet, balancing the checkbook, running this or that errand, etc. The hard part always remains letting those things go and reminding myself they aren’t critical once I am back home and once again have the ability to do them.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. You’re so right Lulu, that’s one of the main reasons I love getting out and camping. All that routine and humdrum and expectation gets left so we can focus on the moment. Maybe we need to allow ourselves to do that more at home too. And yes, I think I need to unplug and disconnect more often these days. Definitely. It’s become a bit of an addiction for me I’m afraid.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. So true! It seems like all this busyness just insidiously creeps into our lives almost unnoticed. I’m trying to be more conscientious about distractions. Pets are such great therapy for that! My cat is quick to remind me that I am not spending enough time doing nothing with him!😊

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

        1. I agree Lulu, pets are a great distraction although sometimes they can drive us up the wall! I’ve just got back from an impromptu overnight camping trip (hence the late reply) and Harry has completely scratched and wrecked one of our doors. I got really upset and then caught myself thinking “will this really matter in x years?”

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Great way to put it in perspective! I remind myself of the same thing, but I must admit, I *don’t* think that way more often than I *do* think that way. Thanks for reminding me to keep things in perspective, too!

          Liked by 1 person

Leave a reply to Felipe Calabrez Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.