Refilling The Well With Mom Dates

This month’s LargerFamilies.com’s Post-Mother’s Day Topic asks the question: How do you take care of yourself?

“Of course, none of us went into this mom-of-a-big-brood thing with the expectation that it would come with oodles of free time. But as we all know, you have to refill the Mom well from time to time, or you’ll have nothing left to give your family! This month, we’ll be talking about nurturing our health and wellbeing, reducing stress, finding (or making) time for a favorite hobby…all the many ways moms of many find to take care of themselves.

It goes without saying that those employed in the creative, motherly arts are at risk for burnout. Mothering can be a high stress occupation, even though it offers the best benefits, hands down.

Years ago I discovered Julia Cameron’s Artist Way and learned about Artist Dates. Cameron’s premise is simple: one hour of pure unadulterated “me” time per week will refill your well of creativity and bring clarity of purpose. Now for many mothers, finding ten uninterrupted minutes alone in the bathroom is a challenge. How on earth can you find sixty minutes just for fun?

Read the rest of my response at Larger Families

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Right Here, Right Now

Okay, now that I got THAT out of my system, I’m going to enjoy a nice bowl of tomato basil soup, followed by tea. Gen maicha. Hot. And then knitting. Lots, and lots, and lots of knitting…

scream facing left

Originally uploaded by johnnyramsay

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Wabi Sabi Chai Recipe

Loose leaf tea
Cinnamon
Cardamon seeds
Cardamon pods
Cloves
Ginger Root
Pure Madagascar Vanilla

I love brewing chai, but alas, I struggle to find time to do it properly. Drawing the water, gathering the wood….well, it’s just beyond me right now.

So for wabi sabi chai on the go (a TOTAL contradiction, I’m aware), I take a leisurely walk to the neighborhood coffee house. They make a good chai and during off peak hours, the outdoor patio allows for a moment of quiet reflection. Yes, I miss out on the opportunity for mindulness that the brewing process provides, but I can still find perspective as I hold the warm cup in my hand, feel the steam tickle up my chin and inhale the sweet spices…

Definitely take time for teaism, or the way of tea. But if your day does not allow it, find a good coffee house and enjoy the fruit of someone else’s mindfulness.

Posted in Tea, Wabi Sabi, Mothering | No Comments »