Summer's End
Searching for solitude and sacred space in the new season ahead.
How did you spend the last day of summer?
After several weeks of running around, transitioning the farm into the off-season, and getting the kids going on their school routines, I am finally tackling all those little projects and errands I have been putting off all summer. Actually, with the demands of promoting A Little Bit of Land (which came out one year ago!) and traveling around Washington and Oregon, I have a stack of to-do’s that extends back to last fall.
So, on the last day of summer I found myself finishing Rooted by Lyanda Lynn Haupt in the Les Schwab waiting room. I am reading this book as part of a book club and it is one of many books I have been meaning to read. I had a warm cup of coffee, a bag of freshly popped popcorn (not pictured), and a table all to myself. It was quite lovely. In reflection, I know that since I haven’t had that kind of alone time in the past few months, my writing and well-being have suffered as a result.
I plan to bring this book to our next Environmentalist Anonymous gathering, so I won’t say too much here. It have given me a lot to think about. Here is a good description of the book from the publisher:
“In the tradition of Rachel Carson, Elizabeth Kolbert, and Mary Oliver, Haupt writes with urgency and grace, reminding us that at the crossroads of science, nature, and spirit we find true hope. Each chapter provides tools for bringing our unique gifts to the fore and transforming our sense of belonging within the magic and wonder of the natural world.”
As a busy mom with young kids, I have not been able to take off into the sacred heart of the forest as much as I would like to. Honestly, that means not at all. Like most summers, I didn’t seem to have time to swim in a lake or take a hike in the woods which makes me sad. The tether to be present in my children’s world—at plays, swim lessons, birthday parties, and soccer practice—is strong. On the farm, I feel attuned to our animals and garden and notice the change of season in small windows. However, these days I am not often alone to ponder these wonders. I don’t have time to wander. At least that is what I tell myself.
Excerpt from Rooted
So, I take the hour or two, here or there, when I can savor my solitude. I am learning to make sacred spaces in the everyday. My hour to read and reflect on Haupt’s book at Les Schwab was a gift. (Also, we have new tires!) Perfectionism is often in the background of environmentalism and I think this is a problem.
Many of us are holding the paradigm of living in the world and having relationships while trying to save it knowing our daily actions (driving, eating, etc) may be contributing part of the problem. I am in a deficit of solitude right now, but I hope that will change over time. I hope that this new season offers more opportunities to sit outside and find my center. I hope this for all moms and busy people holding up their own worlds.
Thanks for your interest in my Her Deepest Ecologies.
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