"Sometimes, in a summer morning, having taken my accustomed bath, I sat in my sunny doorway from sunrise till noon, rapt in reverie". Henry David Thoreau
When I was in high school I read Walden. There was only one other person who connected with me around this man's deep wisdom. Perhaps I only felt safe enough with this one person to share my passion for this open way of thinking. She still is a great friend! There are two things I think when I read the above quote: what a luxury to have a whole morning to myself and I am so grateful for friends! I think of Walden and I think of her because she "got" me and she "got" that book.
To take a bath in the morning and sit in one place until noon; I have not done this in MANY moons. I was able to do it during high school summers, weekends in my 20's and 30's but now with a child and a family this does not happen. So my first goal for this summer, sit in one place for several hours, it will likely be looking out on the ocean!
"In 2000 the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics found data to reflect fairly extensive social involvement on the part of those in the third age. A positive state of affairs given that social activity is crucial to maintaining physical health and psychological well-being. Interactions with significant others can provide emotional support and everyday assistance, thus enabling elders to maintain their independence for as long as possible (Blieszner, R., and Adams, R. G. 1992. Adult Friendship. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage. from 'She'll Be on My Heart': Intimacy Among Friends. By: Blieszner, Rosemary, Generations, 07387806, Summer2001, Vol. 25, Issue 2)
This data though geared toward those in the "third age" (baby boomers) seems like important information for all ages. I think we ALL deeply need one or two people with whom we can share the felt sense of life. The ideas we think, fear, and dream about must be shared. What happens in the brain and in the heart becomes more alive within a relationship. Of course we all have different needs in regard to social interaction but research shows social support increases happiness (see above) so I am a big proponent.
Seek these people ("your people") out. Share deeply with them. They will support you. They will love you and if they don't perhaps you need to keep looking. I hope this summer you can or have had some fun with friends. It's a pretty simple way to boost your mental health. It will be fall before you know it so reach out!
Thanks goes to Linda Graham for her inspiring newsletter where I found this quote.
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