CHC - E48 - On taking breaks 1+2 {021726}
Even breaks can add to the creative mind...
For a while now, I’ve been realizing that I need to step back and take a break from publishing.
To provide meaningful material and make my energy sustainable, I need to pause the usual long-form schedule for a bit. This isn’t a total disappearance, but rather a shift in pace so I can return with a fresh perspective.
While I’m away, I won’t be leaving you with total silence. I have some mini-posts— presence-based (fun) activities for you to try if you, too, are ready for a break, or just ready to try something new to exercise your creative muscles.
Thank you for your patience and for sticking with me. I’m looking forward to this bit of breathing room and will see you in the mini-posts soon.
Before I turn the page, this is also a good time to ask: what would you like me to look into or pull together regarding creativity (or?) for later in the year?
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Ok, on to the “Recovery Toolkit”, if you’re up for it. I’ll give you 2 options so you can choose whichever you prefer.
One: 🌿 Make Something to Eat — and Make It Beautiful
This is not about cooking.
It’s about attention.
Choose something simple to make — toast, yogurt, oatmeal, soup, a piece of fruit, tea.
Nothing elaborate. Nothing impressive.
Now, before you eat it, pause.
Add one small beautiful thing.
Float an edible flower or herb on top, or next to it
Dust the surface with cinnamon, cocoa, chocolate, or smoked paprika
Drizzle honey or olive oil slowly and intentionally
Use the back of a spoon to make a quiet pattern
If you have a small stencil, dust a simple design on top and then lift it carefully, like a secret reveal
When you’re done, don’t photograph it.
Just look. Notice:
the color
the texture
the scent
the care you just gave something ordinary
Then eat it — slowly, without scrolling.
Let this be enough.
This is not about productivity or performance.
This is about practicing presence through beauty, one small moment at a time.
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Two: 🐞 The Build Your Own Zoo Game
This one is about letting your attention rest somewhere soft and curious.
Choose something to watch or read — a movie, an episode of a show, a book, a magazine, museum, even a short video.
Nothing intense. Nothing heavy. Just something to keep you company.
As you watch or read, start a quiet list.
Write down every animal or bug you see, hear, such as:
a bird in the background
a dog walking past a window
a horse in a photo
an ant crossing a page
a bee in the soundtrack
a cartoon cat
a whale on a poster
They all count.
There’s no goal except noticing.
When you’re done, look at your list and smile at how many living beings wandered through your awareness without asking anything from you.
This exercise gently shifts your nervous system out of urgency and into presence.
It reminds you that the world is still full of small, moving life — even when your own life feels heavy or busy.
No fixing.
No performing.
Just noticing.
Which activity did or will you choose? Leave a comment below (if you want to).
Be kind to yourself-
