I posted I would do it, and I did. I had my Day of Nothing. See there- that’s my foot, sporting my TOMS, serving my impulse to find a bench and just sit.  No phone, computer, responsibilities, nothing (although obviously, I had a camera), just me, and it was fabulous. I only reached for my phone, that was sitting face down at home on my nightstand, twice. It was easy and effortless to be with nothing but me.

I took myself to lunch. I ordered chili and a pot of peppermint tea at Penelope’s Cafe. The day was cloudy, just how I like them. A bit cool, but an outdoor fireplace blazed next to me. I listened to a mother and a son gossip about relatives who just left their home. I observed everyone had someone, and if they didn’t they had a book.  There was one man, an elderly gentleman, a regular who chatted with the owner who sat alone, like me with his bowl of chili. No book. No phone.

After my last sip of tea, I drove down the road to Descanso Gardens, where I spent the day. I traveled light. Prada pouch filled with just wallet and keys, and my camera. I had only been in the entrance of this beautiful place, and wondered if there would be a bench or two where I could sit. There were so many benches in just the right places, I could pick and choose, which one spoke to me. The first was a solitary chair. I had hoped one was near where I spotted the roof of a cottage. I’ve always wanted to live in a cottage.

The sun was peeking through the gray, and the air became muggy and warm. The chair was under no protection, and I soon left. Found a hummingbird unafraid of my standing so close.

I envy the squirrels. All of nature is theirs to wake up to everyday. They are one with it. My life seems so far removed from this way of life.  These things—phones, televisions, the agenda of this ego-driven modern world. Responsibilities. But as much as it might seem this day was about what’s not right- the noise and the bothering’s of the world- the moment on the bench was more of an affirmation of what my soul needs.  It needs nature. It longs for communion. Solitude. Space to return to the the slow-paced rhythm of my soul, which only appears slow against the back-drop of our fast-paced world.

We move like this because we forget who we are. We lose touch with our pace. We think we will succeed if we are fast-movers. Recall, the tortoise and the hare. The mystery- what we seek is in the moment, moments we often miss running to win like the hare. My oldest daughter turned 19 last week. My youngest turns 11tomorrow. I recall our little Lilli laying on our bed, newly born. The rest is a blur. I desire no more blurring. I desire clarity. Richness. Depth, and a pace which allows such pleasures.

My Day of Nothing was enough to remind me there is no bonus in stress. In force. In fast. NONE. I no longer need to be addicted to the chemicals it gives. Peace. Relaxation. Ease. This is my new fix.

Today’s Soul Tip:


Nature runs through our veins. We are alive with it and it is alive with us. Spend as much time with it, and if nature doesn’t make your soul sing and bring ease to your steps, offer yourself daily doses of what does bring you back to your natural rhythm.  It will give you a much needed tune-up. 


Namaste,

The Soul Reporter