Page 23 - NOV 2024 News On 7

REV. JANICE CHYRSLER
MINDFUL JOURNEY, MARMORA, ON

A TIME OF REST

November is a transitional month as we ease out of the warmer temperatures and the blazing colours of fall into a quiet
time. The trees have become barren casting their black silhouettes against a gray sky. The days are shorter, often rainy and
cloudy. There is a hush in the air where once it was filled with songs of birds. The earth is preparing to rest.

Some may look at this time of year as rather bleak. However, what if we were to turn that thought around and take it as a
time of reflection? Have we not learned from Mother Earth that everything needs a time to rest, to change, so that it can
transform? We are no different.

Everyone, yes everyone, needs to allow themselves time to rejuvenate, recharge and often times heal emotionally as well as
physically. Pretending that things will go away if we don’t think about them really doesn’t work. Taking on more projects to
fill much needed rest time only creates more stress in our minds and bodies and so the cycle continues. That is where
meditation is beneficial. Taking even fifteen minutes a day to “be” can help.

Why not go into this month with the intent of giving yourself permission to rest, to be okay with doing nothing for even a
few minutes each day? Start by putting the phone down and look out into the world around you, then close your eyes and
breathe in. Nature is resting, so should you. To learn more go to www.mindfuljourney.ca