24/24/24

 They say that when you sit at a computer for a long time, you should practice the Rule of 20...every 20 minutes look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.  Sound advice to save our eyes from fatigue...and perhaps even our sanity at times.  I was reminded of that health tip today after texting with a friend who SO wanted to stop the work she was doing, because as she put it, she was "feeling drawn to pen some words."  I encouraged her, as I did everyone on Day Three of my blog, to take just 15 minutes and write what she saw out her window. I was hoping that this might energize her, letting her brain break the cycle of planning and prepping she was engaged in, to finish her day's work with a fresh, maybe more creative perspective.  

This got me thinking about that little helpful phrase...20 minutes, 20 feet, 20 seconds. If our eyes need that kind of redirection and rest, what about our spirits?  Is the pause that sleep gives us enough, especially when most of us don't get our body's required need through the week anyway?  Is watching TV the best distraction from a stressful mind?  I will admit that sometimes it is, but as a consistent solution, I think we all know by now this is not a healthy practice in dealing with life's daily stress points.  So what about a small solution, a simple piece of the puzzle to keep us creative, and on-track to be our best mental and spiritual selves?



How about every 24 hours, spend 24 minutes, writing at least 24 words?  Words that perhaps carry some meaning for you on that particular day or for your life in general. Words in a journal or on a scrap of paper to be tossed once you're minutes are up. Words that are affirmations.  Words that come from a sacred text.  Words that review your mission or calling in life.  Words that are prayers. Words that bless, express gratitude or words that may come from a dry, burdened heart.  Above all, truthful words...

Last year I heard a quote from someone that said, "The act of stopping...literally stopping what you are doing...is a form of repentance."  Repentance in its literal meaning "to turn around and go in the other direction."  Religious and non-religious people throughout history, albeit too few, practiced this art of stopping to once again acknowledge their God, their purpose or who they really are...mystics, monks, Muslims, recoverers, etc.  And occasionally an average Joe or Joetta, like you and me, learn the art of human rebooting. 



Twenty-four minutes every twenty-four hours. Now some days this just can't be done, I get that. But this is less than 3 hours a week devoted to self-care and creativity, so it's worth trying. Are you worth 2.8 hours of your own time?  Of course you are!  Can it be done?  If you're willing...you tell me.



Mini-Retreat Suggestion:  You know the drill...:-)