I wrapped up a big theater project last weekend and Monday morning felt like I’d hit a wall – face first! Every step, every thought took effort. What was going on? I was exhausted after 3 months of intense work, 6-7 days a week. And I was sad. Ending a show feels like the end of summer camp. You’ve had a great time with a new group of friends you know you’ll never be with again in that same setting. And while everyone is still around, you grieve the moment that’s lost.

AND to make you crazy, the songs from a musical run in a continuous loop in your mind for another week or so! Torture.

So this week I’ve spent time meditating on the challenges we met, the fun we had, and the show we produced. I’ve sent out thank you notes to add closure. And I’ve tried my best to be quiet to give myself time to pause for a couple of days between projects.

And don’t you know, yesterday I woke up about 4:00 AM with an idea for a new show I’d like to write. Thoughts like that don’t come when you’re busy. They come when you’re still. When you take a moment to breathe. When your mind is clear. And maybe when you’re a little mellow with sadness.

At this time of year, it’s easy to go flat-out and feel the panic of stuff that isn’t getting done. If you’re feeling anxious, try taking a moment to sit with your body and feel where that anxiety rests. Then greet it like you would a familiar acquaintance.  “Hey!” Stay in that moment, in that pause, sitting quietly and breathing until you feel the weight lift.

When you get back to work, don’t forget to breathe to bring the peace of the pause with you.

I recently heard this quote from Simone Weil: “Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” As you walk your life path, don’t forget to be generous with yourself!

Sending you solstice love as the days start their turn back toward the light.

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