Gentleness Breaks

My good friend over here writes of a heritage that was not an easy place to be a woman. Silence, strange biblical ideas, and distorted views of feminity resulting in distorted views on the feminine of Yahweh’s character. I have a similar background and we were chatting on the stress that can cause as we unravel the lies, keep truth, and discern how to move forward in that misrepresented mosaic at our feet. She recommended “gentleness breaks” and here were some ideas:
- play with a child
- pet a puppy
- enjoy a long nap
- make a cup of tea/coffee
- walk with a friend
- ask for a hug
- do something not useful but fun
- sit by a lake or a stream (or if you're spoiled the ocean!) :)
- work in a garden
- meditate
- listen to favorite music
- talk with a friend
- read a novel
- watch the sun set
- sit with a teddy bear
- ask someone to nurture you (i think that one is the best of all!)

So tonight I have had my own “gentleness break”:
-danced in the front room with Sebastian in my arms. Sebastian is a willing dance partner, and yes really, he loves it even though he is a cat.
-Listened to Duetto with Marcelo Alvarez and Salvatore Licitra. With tenor voices filling the room as the sun goes, there is such a sense of pace, shalom. They sing of mystery, of love, of the wind, of oceans, futures and pasts, la dolce vita, and pearl fishers.
-Prepared something to eat that is colourful and fresh. Some fresh organic greens, chopped grape tomatoes, a handful of fresh chopped parsley and roasted red pepper dressing, along with a seared lamb chop (crisp outside and tender inside) and some mint sauce. Colour, flavour, fragrance and texture mixed together exponentially enhance the experience of “breaking bread”.

If you haven’t tried one so far this week, find a moment and take a gentleness break! It is a reminder that we were meant to connect heart, mind and body and the gentleness of the wind, of Ruach will meet you there.