Leaning into a Slow and Gentle Routine • January Slow Living

Do you ever wake up early, like 4am early?

That was me this morning. No slow and gentle waking here. Four am and my mind was racing ~ everything I had to do, want to do, plan to do. And of course don’t forget those awful thoughts that bombard this wayward train of thought every ten seconds or so. Not gentle nor peaceful.

Despite the sleep meditations I realise that I am not going to have a slow and gentle morning. Without warning my feet are taking me across the room to find my iPad and keyboard. I then race back and jump back into bed. I do this all quietly. You see, if the pup hears me from her position outside the bedroom window she will cry loudly until we are reunited after her long exile overnight.

I am pleased that on my way back to bed I had the foresight to open the shutters. (I am amazed that I think so clearly at this time of morning. I know by 10am I will be looking in the fridge with no idea what I was looking for). This morning the air is thick with smoke. Last night across the bay we could see smoke from a fire that become thicker and thicker. My hope is that it is a bush fire, with no one having to fight for or leave their homes. The smell of smoke is thick inside our home. Last night we forgot to close the windows. We are still learning about this new home and community of ours.

So this is the end of January. It is ridiculous to say that the month has gone quickly, but it has. I thought the month would drag. I am so used to long summer days where the heat is unbearable and inescapable. Hot, ruthless days rolling into one another. We have moved an hour drive from our old home, yet it could be another country. The days are so pleasant. If the day happens to be hot, a quick swim in the bay cools you down instantly and it is usually not long until a gentle cool breeze keeps us cool at night. I’m still counting my blessings, often many times through the day.

Work in my little studio has also kept the days moving quickly, sometimes too quickly. I am amazed at where the day has gone. I love this time. I love that my mind is so busy and full of ideas and experimenting and testing. The sad and painful thoughts are still lurking, but they do not have the space to enclose my entire mind. It is a relief.

So I am wrapping up the end of the month with a look back at what I have achieved, and what I have loved. To be a reminder of this year when the sun shined in welcome, and slowness was celebrated and embraced.

My Slow Granny Blanket Project;

Simmering in the back of my mind for quite a while, I am still surprised at how I managed to take my Slow Granny Blanket from the corners of my mind and out into the world. But I did. And gosh it has been great. I have loved the fact that I get the thrill of making something just for myself. Every week I climb onto the bed and create my squares. I have been challenged by colour choice and placement, but I am learning. I have been surprised at how much I have enjoyed the journaling side of the project. This has lead to an avid interest in junk journaling which was a surprise that I am happy to indulge in.

My Granny Square Bag Transformation

I love beautiful crochet and beautiful materials. It is a dream of mine to be able to sew a collection of baby clothing that is created with beautiful materials and embellished with crochet and embroidery. However the problem is that I can only sew in straight lines. Sadly this will not be suffice to sew a collection of clothing! But I have managed to find a way to embrace these two loves of mine, floral material that now lines my granny square bags! And I can add a secret message too. Win, win, win.

Instagram

In the early days of Instagram I loved the app. It was a beautiful insight into the world of crochet and travel and making connections with like minded people. Then it changed, gosh it was disappointing. My tummy actually felt sick when I opened the app. However this year, although I still set my timer for a 10 minute window of scrolling , I realise something has changed. My feed is filled with beautiful yarn, crochet and knitting makes, funny quotes and reels that I happily share with friends + family, interesting facts about topics that I am interested in. It has been a breathe of fresh air. I don’t know if I have changed, or if my Instagram algorithm has but whatever it is, I no longer feel dread as I open the app. So my suggestion is to like and save the things you love. DO Not click on anything that causes your tummy to turn. And continue those connections with beautiful like minded people.

Books

I have read some amazing books this month. Some I have finished, some that I am just beginning.

How I adore audiobooks, especially biographies. I will put my ear phones on and be swept away doing any household chore happily (even vacuuming and cleaning the toilet)

These books of amazing women have influenced and inspired me, making me fall in love with them even more.

TV Shows

Yes I watch way too much television. I know that, but the fact that I’m usually creating with my hands must count for something right?

These shows have been my favourite this month.

Food

Although I have not had much of an appetite since Christmas, I have noticed a shift in our food choices. To me it seems that we have gone back to eating what we enjoyed when we were both younger. We were both so excited to find a jar of pickles we both ate when we were little. Our ham sandwiches, toasted or fresh have included these pickles. And zooper doopers, we have not had these in the freezer since the kids were little. My gosh, on a warm summer day when my internal temperature is sky high with a hot flush, zooper doopers for some reason hit the spot!

Creators that are inspiring me

The Unexpected Gypsy is a beautiful lady that I love to watch on You tube. I often try to craft while watching her videos, but it is impossible, I have to be fully present.

It was a joy to find that Megan Price is now on Substack. I have admired her paintings for years now, so I love reading her words and enjoying her beautiful paintings. One day it is my hope to take one of her beautiful water paint classes.

One Slow Morning

Many times a day I think how lucky I am to now be able to live this slow and gentle life. I also realised that I am still rushing around and that included mornings, getting up early to walk the dog, put the washing on etc. This month I have set the intention to have one slow morning a week. This is the morning that I give myself permission to go slow. In the morning I may lay in bed and read, or do some writing. It has been hard at first as I was so harsh on myself for being lazy and not productive. Now I find that I often start to daydream as I look out the window. After years of being tied to the clock or duties that had to be completed. I’m learning to embrace the slow.

I can just hear now the kookaburras calling. This is the first signal that dawn has broken. It is so pretty to watch how the sunlight affects the sky. I am going to sit now and admire it for a little longer.

What about you? I would love to hear/read what inspired you this month.

Remember to do something just for yourself today,

Melissa