meet me at the dock: in the middle of the workday

Today at the dock, I'd like to raise my glass to Elizabeth, my fellow co-workers, the teachers, the volunteers, and all the amazing people who are helping behind the scenes to make Squam happen...

The amount of planning, organizing, re-arranging and muscle that goes into what it takes to bring about all the beautiful Squam offeriengs is A LOT. We could not do it alone and it is the collective effort that allows so much goodness to come forth. I am really proud to be a part of this crew. 

It is an honor to work with people who are so committed and dedicated. It is a blessing to collborate with those who believe the best work is that which comes from a soulful heart. 

We have an important staff policy at Squam Central, and it specifically addresses self-care. We hold each other accountable, making sure we are doing the things we individually require to mainatain balance, good health, happiness and a spiritual practice in our personal lives. It's part of agreement of working together. 

We each have a tendency towards working around the clock, and because of this we have had to be insistent each person is doing what is necessary to remian grounded and keep perspective. We totally get that if we are not payng attention to our inner life, we cannot possibly be effective in our work in the way we truly want to be. 

We call each other on it, "Have you taken a walk today? Did you stop to have lunch? Will you make it to yoga? Are you doing your daily writing? Have you done anything FUN this week? Dude, you were answering e-mails way too late last night, you need to get more sleep."

On the day I snapped these photos, I was feeling a bit pinched with all that I had to do. I could tell my energy was fading, and I was getting crabby. So I turned off the computer and went out to my garden. I spent 30 minutes doing something that I love : working in the garden, and discovering the the new beauties which have bloomed. (something so simple.) By the time I returned to my computer, I was in a totally different place. I felt so much better about the work before me, and I was able to get a lot accomplished that afternoon.

Since I have begun to practice self care within my work day, I have definitely seen a huge difference in my attitude and my mood. 

The next couple weeks are going to be full on around here. As June Session approaches, Sarah Ahearn's online workshop gets ready to roll, and the new offerings come into the Squam Store, we will be busy! (and equally excited!)

We know we will have to remian conscious about taking our necessary breaks, the ones that keep us in the in the right heart-space, so the energy around all these events will remain positive and light. It is our deepest wish for our work to come from a place of love, spirit, goodness and beauty. 

::

Do you make space within your work day to check-in and return to center?

What do you do to keep yourself balanced and grounded?

Do you wait until you have a day off or a vacation to practice self-care? How can you bring more goodness into your daily schedule?

What works for you? ....

*xo*

jen