“How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then to rest afterward.” This Spanish proverb inspires me to slow down my too-busy American schedule, and to remember the beautiful pace of life I once lived in France. Much like this rhythm de vivre I exprienced in France, the Spanish have also mastered what I call “lavender days.”
This Monday, as your day ends, be excited that it is the beginning of the week. Beginnings of weeks are fresh starts, and no matter how busy your day, you have the choice whether to have a lavander day or not. Lavender is my own personal go-to for aromatherapy and relaxation; I find the scent soothing, the color calming and I love the mental image of the fields of purple from which the lavender came.
"Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are." (Chinese proverb)
If you are feeling tense this week, let go. Create a lavender day for yourself and realize that in slowing down your life, you will actually enrich it. As the wise Mahatma Gandi once said, “there is more to life than increasing its speed.” Let the speed of your life slow down; to do this, you might have to cut some things out. Cut them out and be proud that you are starting to prioritze what really matters in life: taking care of yourself.
"Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop." -Ovid
Your life is NOT too busy to relax and allow yourself the relaxation your mind, body and soul needs. Everyone deserves and needs lavender days, but it is up to YOU to ensure that they happen.