Sometimes I don't realize how important our rhythm is and how nurturing our environment is until we are away from home for an extended time. It was difficult to be out of town with the boys, staying in a hotel and spending a lot of time at my sister's house. Not only did I feel out of sorts but my boys started showing signs of real stress. The first night we drove out (Saturday) they went home and I didn't and it was even harder for them; they love Papa but all is not right in the world if Mama isn't home. I went home Sunday when I heard that both boys had cried themselves to sleep. When I went back Tuesday I took them with me. No matter what is going on Papa and my boys are still the most important things in my universe.
Whenever you are in someone else's house their differences are glaring. Everyone has different values and habits and you find yourself trying to adapt as best you can. Like many families, the TV is on almost constantly at my sister's house (it was only off when I turned it off and that would only last until my BIL entered the room). There was a PS2 (game system) set up for the kids and having to choose between R-rated movies with foul language and the PS2 I had to choose the video games as the lesser of two evils, despite my misgivings. At other times a more child-friendly show or movie would be put on (my sister doesn't let her children watch R-rated movies either).
The TV and video games made everything much worse when we were up there. I tried to stay calm and centered but my boys were clearly overstimulated. Unfamiliar surroundings, a less than peaceful environment, electronic media, and the magnitude of the situation were all too much. In the end I had to make the decision to come home as it was clear that it was all too much for J-Baby.
(I want to say here that I in no way think that my children suffered any long-term damage from this week of chaos and excessive media. Sometimes you have no choice but to be in the chaos for a little bit. But there did come a point where I sensed that being there was more than he could bear.)
One of my goals is to have peace and warmth in my home, not only in our interactions with each other but also as a physical presence. The physical peace comes from a strong rhythm and an environment that is tidy and uncluttered. Knowing that each day will bring is comforting and allows us to be free of worry. Having clean and tidy spaces to live in eliminates mental chaos and frees us to relax fully. It brings rest and calm.
For me, tidiness is also part of warmth. A clean, tidy home is inviting, with both its physical presence and its mental calm. A couch that is free of clothing waiting to be folded welcomes you to sit. A dining room table with no more than a cloth and vase of flowers on it welcomes you to sit and eat. So many people think that having a neat home is overrated, but it works for me. I wouldn't want to have guests in my home if it wasn't tidy and I strongly feel that my family and I deserve the same consideration in our own home. I grew up in a family that scrambled to clean things for visitors and it never made sense to me.
Here it is Monday and we are solidly back into rhythm. Chores were done this morning. The boys had quiet time and they did an afternoon project. There was time for reading books and playing games. They asked to knit and crochet so we got started on some holiday gifts. Everything hasn't settled; a family member needed to stop by for some paperwork, there have been many phone calls making arrangements, and there is much to be done. But I feel calm and peaceful. The afternoon light is shining in the window. The house is quiet (no TV, iPod, or radio).
This is where I find my comfort. In the peaceful calm of home, in the warmth of my home and family, in the strong rhythms that guide my days. Rather than being unmoored by my thoughts and grief I am grounded and sustained by our daily rhythm. It brings me strength, and purpose, and the sure knowledge that life goes on.
I wish I could find the peace and warmth that you enjoy. I live in a small house with my sister, mother and our cats. My mother can't stand to have the TV off, so there is constant background noise. The house is cluttered simply because it is small and we have too much stuff. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by it all. It's hard when your housemates have conflicting ideas about what a comforting environment it. I very often find myself plugging into my iPod and retreating into a book just to feel some measure of control over my environment, rather than doing tasks or chores that need to be done.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your vision of comfort and warmth. Just knowing that this is possible gives me hope that one day I can achieve something similar.
That has to be tough; we introverted quiet bookish types really need peace and calm to recharge ourselves. Extroverts might read my (very Waldorf) post and think it sounded terrible!
ReplyDeleteWe have 1700 square feet which I find really big, after all I grew up in a 1000 square foot house ~ 6 people and 1 bathroom. It was a good thing that boys could pee outside.