Let’s talk about the Soft Life

“Creating space to come back to yourself“

Let’s talk about the soft life I believe a few newsletters back I shared some things on how the soft life was tied into nervous regulation, but it very much seems to be connected to fall… autumn slow, gentle, colder nights, brisk mornings can’t help to wanna get out your cup of cuppa and cherish every little bit of peace and quiet you can get.

I know it’s been a minute or two since this mom was getting up with her kiddo to get him ready for school, but I remember what it was like soft, gentle, slow patient, present certainly was not the vibe and then once you whisk Junior away on the bus, then your hectic workday would start. It was very rare that I could not come up for air until lunchtime and you know what I did during that time I found a quiet spot outside, usually at a park or on a bench where I could eat in peace and write in my journal that was the start of my soft life, and I think the busier my life got the more I wanted no needed that time to slow down connect with my feelings find my voice I’m difficult situations and eventually lead me to being a conscious light worker and healer.

What if slowing down isn’t falling behind? What if it is how we hear ourselves again?

I once had to find a quiet place outside during my lunch break. Now, I’ve created a physical space where other people can come and find a little quiet, creativity, connection, or room to breathe. Perhaps something I learned years ago continues to shape what I offer today.

It may have been a decade or so since that was my life, but I still get little glimpses of it from time to time when I overbooked myself or find myself playing catch-up when I fall behind my work or God forbid, self-care routines, and rituals the thing is anything can happen at one time or another and trip you up or make you put the brakes on a project you were working on and then when you go back to it have absolutely no motivation or focus to continue with it. “Sometimes I look at people who work for someone else and recognize that there can be a certain comfort in knowing what your day is going to look like. There is a time to arrive, a time to leave, and often a fairly clear idea of what needs to get done in between.That kind of scheduling and flow of the day…is certainly something that I can understand and get behind 100% Whereas those of us who work for ourselves as in business owners or entrepreneurs or even those who may be retired and have no one to answer to and a lot of time on their hands we have to work hard at balancing all the things that need to be done to move the ball forward and still have time for the soft life, for me time and the slowing down of sorts. That recently became quite clear to me when I looked at my calendar and saw that the month of September was pretty much gone.

What if the soft life isn’t a perfectly arranged life, but a life in which we remain available to notice the moments that make us feel alive?

I recall the events and the experiences that had taken place throughout the month. One of them being not very serious but serious enough medical emergency with my mom which required me to drop everything I was doing and tend to her needs. This was something that lasted on and off almost 2 weeks during that time. A lot of things just stopped and I was 100% completely fine with that because my mom needed me and she’s my mom.

I made sure I got some music gigs in there but not as many as I would like that was however the last time I sketched a little something while there.

Erick and I had an anniversary in that time frame too… 26 years and we were pretty convinced we were going to go away, but we did not. Neither one of us was really disappointed, but the slow life caught up with me again and I was able to do a little watercolor card for him which made my heart happy and soul singing. (See how the soft life can be different for everyone)?

The next two weeks had us looking at new to us “SUVs”, while I was putting the finishing touches on one of the most magical weddings of the year that I’ve done in quite a long time and being that I officiated her mom‘s wedding (one of my best friends from many moons ago) and has known the bride since she was a baby. It was indeed a very special wedding indeed and don’t get me started on the grounds. Oh my goodness pinch me I have fallen into an enchanted forest portal.

What made those grounds incredibly magical first and foremost was the fact that it was tucked away in and amongst majestic, ancient, and gnarly looking trees. I knew right away I had found a home amongst them because in all honesty it reminded me of child hood dreams and fantasies. The structures on the grounds supported this concept of fairy tale weddings, and luscious woods, wild flower gardens and lights strung around a pond and every where else. So now you can understand why it would seem that I have fallen through a portal.

And perhaps that is part of what I am learning all over again. The soft life doesn’t necessarily mean that nothing happens, that we have endless afternoons to ourselves, or that we get to move through the world without responsibilities. Sometimes it means being present for the people we love. Sometimes it means putting a project aside because something more important needs our attention. And sometimes it means making a little watercolor card for your loved one instead of taking the trip you thought you were going to take.

I know this about myself. If I am not careful, even the things I love can become things on my to-do list.

That is why I keep coming back to the importance of having a place, a practice, or even a few quiet moments that remind us who we are beneath all the doing.

And honestly I would love to have you join me as well in in your own time, and in your own way…THE SOFT LIFE IS for everyone…It just depends on what Era you are in. (: And what Era you want to be in.

Sometimes we need a place, a practice, or another person to help us find our way back to ourselves.

Virtually: A Little Space for Yourself

Something I’m offering through the online world is short audio reflections, a guided pause, journaling prompts, and itty bitty pieces of helpful insight and guidance from a trusted, heart centered channel with 25 years of experience. Think of it as a little pocket of time to step away from the noise, check in with yourself, and hear what your heart has been trying to tell you. (Why am I getting that sweet little vision of polly pocket) Yes that is how I would love for you to see me in this “soft life” era, Not loud, not obnoxious, just tiny little bite size bits of Renee that you can tune in to to inspire, keep you going and make sense of what ever non-sense might be creating obstacles for you at that time.

Go ahead pick my pocket

In person: A Pause at the Hearth within the Heart Center

I have shared with you various stations and places within the Heart Center where you can actually hear yourself again.

-Maybe it’s sitting near the clear running water fountain

-Maybe it’s When you take a moment to Sing a bowl

-Maybe it’s while laying on the healing bed,

Or simply from just the moment you step through the sanctuary doors there is a familiarity that makes you feel safe, seen, and at home. (We hear this last one a lot) (:

🕯️Candles Lit This Week

-Honoring where the soft life is presenting itself

-Recognizing that stopping something isn’t failure

-Noticing where you have white space in your calendar and honoring that instead of looking to fill it.

What would it look like to create a little more room for yourself in the life you’re already living?

And on that note my friends, I will leave you with this,

Maybe that is where the soft life begins. Not in doing less. Not in having it all figured out.

But in noticing the little moments when life is quietly inviting you to slow down, breathe, create, connect, and simply be where you are.

All my love, Renee,