As I have probably mentioned before, I have a furry grandchild. Every morning he whines and fusses and stalks me until I take him for a walk. He is the bane of my existence, but he has made sure I exercise every day and for that I am grateful.
This morning’s walk was a lovely one. It’s still a tad bit warm for my northern blood but the weekend promises to dispense with summer, at least temporarily, when the lows drop in the 40’s and the highs will be a clear and beautiful 60. My heart skips a beat in anticipation.
Today the sky is beautiful Carolina blue (unless you’re a Duke fan like me and then it’s just breathtakingly blue) and it felt good to be outside breathing the air and gazing upon the Loblolly pines, stretched tall against the sky, the dark green needles a vivid contrast, glistening in the sun. Gets me every time.
In spite of Rowdy’s (no, he couldn’t have a more appropriate name) less than diplomatic persuasions each morning, I do appreciate the structure he imposes on my life. It takes away one decision I would otherwise have to make. Putting in place certain rituals to frame our day, our months and our lives has a value that goes beyond sheer self-discipline.
In fact, the word “discipline” makes me shudder. It feels external. Controlling. Angry even. But, “structure” feels like something I’ve decided in advance to do, or accept into my life, that reins in my wild spirit just enough to keep me moving in some sane direction.
In my experience, women are too hard on themselves with regard to sticking to programs and diets and exercise routines. We are among the most creative, free-spirited beings on earth with gifts that are easily suffocated by too many controls. Structure brings order to the chaos but it doesn’t prevent more important issues from taking precedence.
I know, this is mostly semantics. Or is it? I like to think of my life as a framed out house without walls. As long as the wind doesn’t blow I can stay within the framing. Chances are good that the wind will blow sooner or later and I will find myself, at least partially, outside of the walls I’ve built. Should I get completely outside the framework, I know I will have to drag myself back in or look to a friend to help me find my way home. I will most certainly have discovered something about myself and life in the process, including the value of structure that shelters me on sunny days.
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I love the metaphor of a framed out house without walls… and I think you are absolutely right about our (women’s) gifts being too easily suffocated. Blessings and hugz!
Thanks Cully!
Dorothy,
What an apt metaphor for the purpose of” structure with options” in our lives. There needs to be flexibility in that structure and openness for exposure to the elements. I chuckled too about your furry friend’s prompts to get out and exercise. Ours is Max, a big furry Golden Retriever pup who looks like a bear cub and is as playful as a kitten. He forces us to take him to the garden every morning-rain or shine so he can work off all that puppy energy which of course provides us with a prompt to exercise.Thank you for a lovely post!
I relate to your ‘framed house without walls.’ I am a believer in structure and my yoga practice provides just the right amount. It keeps me in a mindful space, at least for a short period of time. It has been a lifesaver through turbulent times.
Dorthy, you know that I am one of your biggest fans. I really enjoyed this post. It was very calming. Anger what an all day topic. Anger can be a killer as we know. Too achieve an emotion balance is so important. That is why I enjoy reading your blogs.
Thank you ladies! You are my inspiration!