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Sunday Rejuvenation, Brunch

January 8, 2017 — 2 Comments

fortune

The keeping of a sabbath on Saturday or Sunday is traditional in religious America. A day of complete rest, apart from the daily grind, was intended to be devoted to prayer and meditation on divinity. Today the religion of twitter has launched #SelfCareSunday as a tribute to taking a real break from the worries and stresses of modern life. This practice is viewed from different perspectives by many proponents of self-care. I have been reading lately about the Danish practice of Hygge, a simplistic, holistic way to stay centered and happy. This lifestyle concept is not related to religion, but does promote mindful awareness of simple pleasures, such as entertaining friends. Gathering to share cozy comforts is essential to maintaining community and identity in society. A good laugh and a delicious meal with friends can heal the wounds inflicted by the tragic news of the day. I like the idea of taking one meal every week to be mindful of our habits.

Here are a few ideas for #SelfCareSunday Brunch:

Picnic in a park or natural setting
Silent potluck brunch, keeping silence while sharing a meal
Hiking brunch, bring a backpack and climb to a destination
Restaurant with dining companions, an obvious oldie but goodie
Cooking with companions in a home kitchen
Informal meet up at a farmers’ market or coffee-house

It is an excellent idea to be extra aware and conscious of self-care for one day a week. The benefits of rest and relaxation combined with good company can’t be overstated. We all need a little help from our friends. Do you have a self-care practice, gentle reader? Are your Sundays sacred? What is your favorite way to rejuvenate?

Sunday Brunch

Giving Thanks for Less

November 18, 2014 — 5 Comments

chiles from the garden

Tucson winter

I am pleased that our household is free to interpret holidays in our own way, which might include not at all. When I was younger I had many family gatherings at my house with heavy responsibility and expense. I am thankful that I am free of that kind obligation now. Good or bad, the traditions that my parents embraced are not my own. Bob and I live in a city with wonderful dining and entertainment options. We like the idea of supporting those local business owners who provide happy hours, dinners, and delicious lunches. We normally buy some gift cards this time of year when the restaurants offer discounts. It is a fun way for us to make plans to do something special together and save a few bucks at the same time. This year the restaurant we chose is excluding the use of the gift card on holidays and special occasions. At first I was miffed because we had planned to go on Thanksgiving. Upon consideration we realized we don’t even like to celebrate on the real day because it is always crowded with all the servers stressed. We will just go the night before or the day after the real holiday for our party and have the restaurant to ourselves.

This philosophy is catching on quickly here. Rather than bring out lots of decorations for the house I am doing a full deep cleaning and clearing of our home. We have very little space now because we have crammed things into every corner and cabinet. We love art, but can’t find a place to display what we already own. It makes no sense for us to acquire more. The most impressive and useful gift I can think of for our home is a serious removal of clutter and junk from top to bottom. We need a big haul to the Goodwill much more than any shopping trip for new items. We are not cutting corners on anything we like, want, or need. We just don’t want or need a busy expensive winter season. I am ready for the holidays because I don’t build any false obligations or social pressure.

Christmas cactus

Here at our house we celebrate by:

sharing happy hour at home with friends
making our own holiday hootch to toast the season
avoiding driving
filling our home with music and scent
gifting small homemade items to a few people

I am thankful for my stress free life. Less is the best for me. Is there anything you could easily eliminate to make this time of year less stressful?

Tucson sunset