Hey Friends... Here's a short recap on our meeting last week Wednesday.
We talked about what a simple Christmas looks like in the context of time and energy. For some of us, the thought of Christmas brings up thoughts of endless gatherings, obligations, etc. Barb asked the question of what the point of these get togethers are. Not in a resigned tone (as in what's the point???) but rather in terms of, what makes gatherings/get togethers important...
When we identify what makes these events important, we can then also determine healthy boundaries. One, for example, does not need to necessarily spend 7 hours at a given event in order to hold up values of connectedness and relationship.
Aware of the busy weeks ahead, we decided as a group (and Connie take note so you'll be all caught up!) to challenge each other to a Christmas Gift Day; A Christmas Stay-cation. A sabbath as it were. We explored the idea that maybe the busy schedule wouldn't feel so overwhelming if we planned ahead blocking off a period of time designated specifically to rest. So here's our goal:
During the Christmas holidays, we want to set aside one day (minimum) to be spent however we'd like... A day to do what we want, in the context of our immediate family. We had visions of reading books with our spouses, sleeping in late etc... While there are no rules really we thought one guideline might prove to be beneficial; and that is, to disconnect ourselves for this one day from media in the form of TV, movies, internet, phone. We'll take some time to share about our "day" at our January meeting.
As is becoming the norm during our meetings, there was plenty of digression; as we found ourselves planning train trips to the Oregon coast and sharing childbirth experiences (both of which I look forward to someday experiencing myself). Along the way, there were a few other not so related, yet good thoughts and points raised. And while I won't discuss them here, I'll put them down for your own personal thinking and pondering:
- How is simplicity connected with nature? Does the path of simplicity inherently lead to a greater respect, desire to care for creation?
- And for all you parents out there: how do you process/deal with consumerism in the context of having kids?
- And for us to think about for our next meeting: Why is simplicity important to each one of us? What brought to the place where this topic, these lifestyle choices are of high priority to us?
That's all for now I think. It was a pleasure to be together again last week.
Cheers to the exploration.
And Merry Christmas...
Amy
