Working with our natural rhythms

Retirement is something so many of my friends yearn for or are living into. Yet retirement also brings a host of challenges. And no one feels quite prepared for these once we finally arrive in the retired and not-working state of being! The unstructured days can feel burdensome, isolating and empty. But they can also offer us the opportunity to finally learn what it is to discover our natural rhythms. As always, attitude is a great determining factor! It is a learning curve to match our physical selves (activities and exercise) and our mental mindset and spiritual intelligence to our natural rhythms, now that we have some time on our hands.

I’ve recently discovered several new ways to tap into my natural rhythms. One idea includes using the weather the Lord provides as a guide. Today I had energy for something physical, but the weather included light rain. I found myself doing some well-timed planting. I’ve discovered that I enjoy working outside in the light rain. I don’t need to have as much water on hand because soil is already moist. Weeds come out easier. Days like this are just made for weeding! With the extra time available thanks to retirement, I’m learning to turn my past inclinations around into something that will provide me with a different perspective.

If you’re not inclined to work outside, consider how else this might apply in your life? Is it also a good day to “weed out” clutter indoors? Can you work small if you’re mobility-challenged?

My personal experience of chronic auto-immune flare-ups has shown me that some days are for resting. Beating ourselves up over non-productive days doesn’t help, but in this productivity-geared culture of ours, it’s also a common experience. Know that you are not alone. I hope together we can explore all sorts of helpful ideas!