As I travel through this “second adulthood” portion of my life, I find I am hungry for personal growth, understanding and open-mindedness. In discovering Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s book Gift from the Sea, I now realize the need for balance in our lives. Lindbergh, the wife of Charles, was an important aviator in her own right, as well as a poignant author. Lindbergh talks about how women have become distracted in their lives by allowing little time for self reflection, silence and tranquility. Lindbergh states that:
“We are aware of our hunger and needs, but still ignorant of what will satisfy them. With our garnered free time, we are more apt to drain our creative springs than to refill them. Not knowing how to feed the spirit, we try to muffle its demands in distractions. Instead of stilling the center, the axis of the wheel, we add more centrifugal activities to our lives – which tend to throw us off balance”(46).
Mentioned several times throughout Lindbergh’s writing is the concern many women of all generations have dealt with the challenge of attaining balance. She goes to great lengths to teach us that what we really need to strive for is solitude. Quiet time. No distractions. Away from the everyday clutter that keeps our heads spinning.
Sounds like a dream right? Lindbergh states:
“Certain springs are tapped only when we are alone. The artist knows he must be alone to create; the writer, to work out his thoughts; the musician, to compose; the saint, to pray. But women need solitude in order to find again the true essence of themselves: that firm strand which will be the indispensable center of a whole web of human relationships” (44).
What’s amazing to me is that Lindbergh wrote these words in 1955. The year I was born. At that time, she was 48 years old.
As each day passes it is my hope that women of all generations will consider refilling their “creative springs” with a simple gift to themselves. A quiet weekend retreat at a charming Bed and Breakfast on the shores of Lake Michigan.
In an atmosphere of quiet solitude, one can enjoy relaxation in the practice of yoga and meditation. Take pleasure in an hour long private massage. Finish that book that was started so long ago. Journal. Contemplate listening to a presentation regarding a particular women’s issue, if it is desired. Take a long walk on the beach. Count your blessings.
A wonderful way to welcome balance back into your life.
To pamper ourselves without guilt is essential.
~Jody Elle
