For the past few days, my husband and I spent time in Carefree, Arizona. We were at a wellness resort called Civana. I'll be doing my teacher residency there starting in December. Every quarter, I'll be on the grounds for about two weeks teaching Writing to Heal journaling classes and breathwork. I cannot wait! While there, I planned to work a bit since we rarely have quiet time at home with three kids. But instead, I didn't work at all. I relaxed and enjoyed every second of ease presented to us. My computer stayed closed our entire stay, and I was amazed at how I wasn't tempted to open it. My phone was out of reach for the most part, and we truly enjoyed experiencing the getaway we were having. I was committed to paying attention and being present in the moments granted. This time away is rare.
One morning, I woke up and reached for Ryan. He wasn't there. I sat up in bed and saw him outside, writing and watching the sunrise. So as he watched the sunrise, I watched him. I hadn't seen him sit and write in a very long time. I smiled. I admire my husband a lot. He has this remarkable ability to take the world in, pay attention, and create lasting memories out of fleeting moments. I learn a lot from just watching him. He's intentional about how he absorbs moments—they become a part of him which is magical to me. The way he gets comforting feelings of nostalgia, and how he can reminisce and create big moments of joy from something that happened years ago, blows my mind.
I want to remember like that.
I want to pay attention like that.
I'm grateful that I'm learning how to by being married to someone who can.
I'm grateful for the reminders to stop and be here now.
It's incredible what can happen when we slow down. When we choose not to work ourselves to the bone and instead take a day (or more) to recalibrate. I feel anew after doing nothing much the past few days. I feel open and rejuvenated. I feel happier. I know slowing down may feel like a privilege. Life is busy. Time is fleeting. Things must be done. But I also know that we can all make micro shifts in our daily lives if we pay attention a little more, even if that means we are simply observing, with intention, those around us that we love. Learning and remembering require us to pay attention. The older I get, the more I see this. The more I watch my husband, the more I learn what it means to create presence and clarity from pausing.
Have a grounded week ahead! Please share your gratitude with me here or via email: gratitude[at]alexelle[dot]com
The first classes of my residency are open. I begin at Civana on 12/29. Learn more here. I hope to see you.
Calls to Action
Read this: Do Walk by Libby DeLana
