August feels like a good time to catch one’s breath.
I’ve just returned from a few weeks away with my family, thankful to have been able to create a container to rest and recharge. I’ve shamelessly buffered my out of office auto reply with extra days to smooth the reentry and I’m feeling for how to keep the feeling of a beautiful vacation not by holding on, but by continuing to let go.
It’s still summer — days stretching out, (sometimes) too hot to sleep, more weeks of school holidays ahead, my children underfoot endlessly asking for snacks...
But the vibe is different in August, isn’t it? Especially post-holiday.
We’ve just arranged a plant graveyard in the back of the garden, gently placing the sun and neglect crisped carrots, calendula, and basil pots atop a giant sweet pea tangle. It’s in this moment that I can feel the season’s end creeping nearer. I instinctively turn away from its approaching expiration date before grabbing another popsicle and encouraging myself back toward it.
I’m remembering there’s no hard stop needed.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Balance Practice to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.