05-03-05 “
Tuesday:
I shifted my schedule over the winter so I would spend more time at my home after I got off work. I avoided going out with friends or going to events at church. I just needed time to relax in the house that I’ve spend so much time making nice. But that whole plan never worked out because I never relaxed. I just did busy-body lounging. I’d watch a sitcom while I cleaned the house. I’d listen to the news while I shopped for cars on eBay. I’ve multi-tasked myself into insanity.

Last Sunday I forced myself to lay in my hammock and do absolutely nothing for twenty minutes. I wasn’t aloud to listen to the radio or read a magazine. I just laid there and watched the sky change colors during the sunset. At least a dozen times, I fought back urges to get up and do something else. I was embarrassed of my impulses. Soon my time was up, and I felt great. I stepped back in the house and felt like a better person.

My friend went on a week-long retreat just for guys. One of the prayers was to stay in three foot circle in the woods for three hours. He explained that it was difficult, that the first hour and a half was misery. But the last half was heavenly. Nowadays, it takes effort to relax, but it’s worth it. So it’s Tuesday, and I’m on my second day of laying in the hammock right after work. I think this is going to be a good habit.