Restore and Refresh 10.9.20

Dear Students, 

You are nearly finished with Module 1. Maybe you are already finished. 

Go you! 

Your mind is probably deep into the habit of anticipating and reviewing everything you need to do: a paper to write, class to attend, reading to finish, professor to email, group project to manage. And that gets jumbled up with everything else that fills your mind, like work schedules, family stuff, relationship conflicts, roommate negotiations, laundry. It can be pretty crowded and noisy up there. 

Because life stops for no module! It keeps on happening at a similarly breakneck pace, right along with the academics. 

But your life is about SO much more than your responsibilities and duties. It's about more than feeling panicked or guilty about what you haven't gotten done yet. 

This weekend is an opportunity to seek out and experience the restorative, pleasurable, relaxing, connected parts of your life. It may be mini, but it is STILL a break! 

It's easy to get stuck in a particular mode: stressed, busy, rushing from thing to thing. Our brains keep buzzing because that's what they're used to doing. Sometimes it takes some intention and effort to downshift. It's worth it! 

What are the activities that help you feel like yourself? Good and relaxed in your own skin? Playing guitar, talking to your best friend from home, walking in the woods, singing, playing games, listening to music and basking in the sunshine, taking a long run, taking a hot shower, writing in your journal, watching a funny movie, napping in the afternoon, dog-watching at the dog park, getting coffee at Central Market? 

Do those things this weekend! Do and don't do! Allow yourself space and time to just be you. Tell your mind it's okay to chill out for a day or two. Necessary, even. You'll get back to it all soon, and when you do, you'll feel restored and refreshed. 

 Warmly, 

 Lauren, Susan, Katharina, Meagan, Alexis, Kelly and Gene