Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Things that are good for the soul (and recovering from Glandular Fever)

I've never been very good at resting. But I've learned that there must come a time when our bodies and hearts revolt from all the stress we put them through! So I have spent the last two months attempting to recover from Glandular Fever.
At the beginning I did not appreciate the forced rest. But one of the things I've begun to learn of late is that sometimes we must choose to be grateful even when we don't feel it. I believe it is in this act that God begins to open our eyes to his abundant blessings. And before you know it, you actually feel grateful!
So with my changed perspective, I have tried to rest well and feed my soul. Here's a list of the things I've had the chance to enjoy in this last month and a half of rest (in no particular order)....
  • I'm relishing the chance to cook lovely nutritious food (and some treats as well of course!) My favourites: Lamb Shank and Winter Vegetable Soup; Chorizo, fetta, sundried tomato and spinach pasta; and my own creation of Choc Chip and Peanut Butter Cookies.
  • Reading poetry again. Old favourites like Emily Dickinson and Madeleine L'Engle. I've also just discovered the profound and beautiful Wendell Berry. Their words are beginning to inspire and challenge me to start writing again.
  • Discovering great new music such as Wakey! Wakey!, Amy Stroup, Rosi Golan and Matthew Perryman Jones. As well as listening to the 'always on the ipod' selection of Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken, Patty Griffin, Switchfoot, Sara Groves and Katie Herzig.
  • In order to curb my coffee addiction and limit my dairy I've been trying new teas. My current favourite: Royale Earl Grey from T2.
  • Catching up with dear friends over cuppas.... and making some new ones as well.
  • Setting myself ambitious reading projects such as The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand and Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger by Ron Sider. While I'm making my way through these very slowly, I'm enjoying the challenging stimulation.
  • My Mum and I have been making our way through all seven seasons of The West Wing on DVD. It's just the right combination of drama and intellectual stimulation.... not to mention the profound quotes on society and politics!
  • I find there is something very therapeutic about being around small children. I've been caring for Will (3) and his sister Sascha (10 months) since they were both born. I also have the most gorgeous, talented and happiest nephew Finn (nearly 2). While children require energy (which I haven't had), they (almost) always leave me feeling hopeful and refreshed. They require you to be in the moment and fully 'present' at all times.... a good lesson to learn and very freeing for the soul.
  • When I go walking around my neighborhood I am reminded how blessed I am to live in the beautiful Blue Mountains.
  • And hopefully all of this inspires me to write more.....!