As summer ebbs and begins to fade into fall, I feel myself longing for a sense of rhythm.

What is ‘rhythm’ in life?

A feeling of alignment, not that everything is easy, but that there is a flow. Little things, like being
able to enjoy a conversation with a friend, or a walk outside at dusk, are not taken for granted. A
sense of knowing that you are in a good place, not perfect (that doesn’t exist), but a place of
contentment. When I am in rhythm, I feel a bit more in control, more settled, more truly myself.

Rhythm can be illusive – go within.

I have found that this rhythm is dependent on internal factors within myself. Life is often hectic,
and the world can feel as if it is in disarray. If you look to external forces to guide you, rhythm is
likely to elude you – it is an inside job. I find my rhythm when I am aligned with an internal sense
of purpose and peace as my compass. I have learned that while I cannot always control my
circumstances, I can protect my own sovereignty and how I choose to react to a situation. I can
choose to be calm and approach difficulties with grace. I am able to do this only when I look
within for strength.

Being Mindful.

My Morning Routine [link] is critical to my sense of wellbeing. Simply lighting a candle and journaling
can help me set my mindful intentions each day. Similarly, taking a few breaks throughout the day to
walk or mediate are important to realign and remain mindful. It is remarkable what a few mindful
minutes spent in fresh air will do for your soul.

Simplify.

Being realistic about the tasks I can accomplish each day and prioritizing my physical health has
been a difficult balance for me. Getting adequate sleep is also challenging, but investments in my
health have been most successful when I’m able to simplify in other areas of my life. In other words,
you can’t do it all. And if you’re like me, you might be making things more difficult on yourself.
I can get completely stuck in the weeds on small details or busy work that doesn’t really matter in the
big scheme of things. Simplifying life can mean many things, but in this case, it is simplifying the
expectations you set for yourself.

Time in Nature.

Don’t underestimate the power of a quick walk after dinner or sitting outside on a moonlit night, time
in nature is grounding and cleansing. It restores my soul and connects me to the big, beautiful world
around me. When I am in nature, I am fully aware – enjoying the sounds, smells, sights. I pay
attention to the little things, feeling the sunshine on my face, listening for the robin’s joyful song.
The rhythms of nature – the rise and fall of the tide, the setting of the sun, the phases of the moon,
they are part of the energy all around us. Aligning with this natural energy is one of the surest ways
to feel in rhythm in your life.

Disconnect.

Disconnect from devices in order to connect with the present moment. Disconnecting for a portion of
each day can be freeing (and, at first, scary – but I encourage you to do so anyway). Without the
added distraction, you can breathe a bit easier and focus on the moment. It might be enjoying a good
meal, reading a book you’ve been looking forward to, or listening to a loved one tell you about their
day – be present and enjoy it.

My prayer for you is that you find this sense of rhythm in your own life. Listen to your soul, it knows
the way. It is a journey – one of experiencing the joy of being in rhythm and, inevitably, falling out of
alignment. That’s part of the experience, the important thing to remember is that once you’ve
experienced it and are aware of it, you can find your way back to it – and it is all the sweeter
when you do.