31 July 2008

In A Blue Room

We read a lot in our house, and we have read a lot of kids books in the last 5 years.  A LOT.  This one was published very recently and it's lovely.  As a parent, I think this book works so well because (a) it is simply written, (b) it is beautifully illustrated, (c) it slows the pace of the day down just right for bedtime.  It is the perfect last book of the day for our active boy!

For me, though, I internalize that a comforting bedtime ritual is a great way to honor oneself -- in the book, it's about treating the senses to relaxation (fragrant flowers, soothing bells, warm tea) and allowing the physical to affect the mental and emotional.  How many nights have you spent trying to block out the many stressors of your day, forcing your eyes shut, trying to turn off your brain, peeking at the clock every few minutes to see how many hours of sleep you'd get if you fell asleep right now?  For me it's been too many.  

Honoring myself through dressing stylishly more often?  Check.
Honoring myself by regularly preparing and eating nutritious and delicious meals?  Check.
Honoring myself through a soothing bedtime ritual that satisfies the senses and sets things right for a peaceful night's sleep?  Working on it...

3 comments:

  1. OMG, the part about figuring out how many hours of sleep I would get if I fell asleep *right now* is something I do pretty much every night!

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  2. I did that for a long time, too, but recently I find myself clenching my eyes shut sometimes, like I am going to force myself to go to sleep right that very second. Ha!

    I am lifting my cup of sleepy tea to us all, wishing everyone a good night's sleep tonight and every night. :)

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  3. this is a great reminder... I'm so glad to have connected with you through WR. :)

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