I’ve felt a bit restless lately.
But I always do when the seasons are about to change.
Typically I wallow in that restlessness until the weather changes, in which case I’m happy for two months before I repeat the cycle over again.
But this summer I’m trying to dig into that feeling. I want to learn from it and grow beyond it.
So I’ve been doing a lot of reflection. I’ve been getting up even earlier so I can fill my journal with my fragmented thoughts.
I’m trying to return to the things that used to fill me up before life distracted me so thoroughly.
And I’m trying to put my phone down, and enjoy moments that engage all of my senses.
This is a struggle for me.
David and I have been reflecting together as well. The twins are 18 months and we feel as if our life is stabilizing finally.
There’s so much of our life that we’ve had to put on hold these last few years.
Namely: our love of nature and exploration.
We’ve exposed the girls to that side of us as much as we’ve been able to, but it’s been a struggle to incorporate it into our lives in a way that we’re all comfortable with.
But with the girls being older we’re ready. We have plans to take Kit camping this fall, and we’re going to attempt the double baby carrier move so we can go hiking with all three.
I think mostly we’re just emotionally ready to do things that require a little more work. For awhile there the overwhelm was our biggest driver… it made our decisions for us.
But now? Now our craving for nature is starting to speak a bit louder.
Baby steps though. A little here, a little there…
So I’ve been strapping one of the girl’s on my back while walking the trails around our house instead of putting them all in the stroller… giving those muscles a chance to wake up.
And it’s been good. My heart has been happy.
I’d like to share more of that part of my life with you all. Because I’ve realized how out of proportion my life has become. For three years now I’ve focused on babies and fashion (i.e. this blog).
I’ve had no time for anything other than those two things, and I think it has caused my soul to dry up.
Being in nature is my way of connecting with God. It’s my refuge… I have a hard time finding peace without that outlet. And I haven’t prioritized it.
And so I’m feeling dry.
But no more excuses. Reflection has shown me my neglect, but now it’s time to act… and perhaps even bring you along with me.
So for August’s mantra I couldn’t think of a better inspiration than Muir who knew, more than anyone, the healing power of nature:
May I keep close to nature’s heart… and break clear away once in awhile. May I climb a mountain (hill in my case), spend a week (or an hour) in the woods…
May I wash my spirit clean.
Until next time,
Karin
What I wear when I take the girls for a hike:
Shoes (I’ve had these shoes for 13 years, worn the HECK out of them, and they still look like new)
Carrier (I have the original version, but we’re going to pick up this version so we can wear the girl on the front, front facing when David carries one on his back and one on his front… does that make sense?)
Karin, I have so enjoyed seeing the change in your blog–the inclusion of more aspects of your life, and so much beauty and thoughtfulness. I get a greater sense of who you are as a complete woman (though of course you’re under no obligation to share that), and it is beautiful.
Time in nature plays a huge role for us, too, and I’m so grateful that because we’ve spent time outside with the kids, they look forward to it. We can go on vacation with big, fancy plans like “spend the day hiking” and they’re head over heels. It can be challenging to cultivate that when so many would rather stay inside with a screen, but a love of nature, I think, is vital for anyone who wants to encounter God, or herself, anyone who wants to learn quietness and reflection, and anyone who would care for the world we’ve been given.
Happy Hiking!
Thank you Helena! I truly appreciate you saying that. That’s exactly why we think it’s time to start incorporating it more with our kids. I want them to learn early on to appreciate nature and for them to grow up with it being normal. Thanks for encouraging me that it can be a part of life with kids!