"But I keep control of my body, and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (1 Corinthians 9:27)ASV
The short video clip above is of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. I decided to take some time for myself. I decided to take a short trip to Atlantic Beach. I have traveled alone before, but it has been work-related or for someone else. This time, it was for me; a time for me not to do anything, but to just be who I am.
In the book, Self-Care for Black Women, the author Oludara Adeeyo encourages the reader to take a solo trip. Although I was solo, I felt safe and excited. I still took precautions. I left my location on my cell phone and called when I arrived at my hotel. I didn't even take time to unpack my car. I grabbed my books, computer, blanket, chair, snack, etc., and headed to shore. I stayed on the beach to watch the sunset.
The following morning, I returned to the beach to watch the sunrise. I did Yoga and read for about ten minutes. The rest of the time, I sat in the chair to just be! It was a time for me to be in the moment. It was a time for me to be still, physically and mentally. No action was required. It was wonderful! We have read so much great information that we need time to process and implement the knowledge gained from the books!
*(I didn't capture the entire sunrise on video, because I wanted to be in the moment and enjoy what I was seeing!)
I invite you to be whatever you need to be for your self-care! If it is to be still, be quiet, or be on a retreat, just....be!
Vatoyia another great blog and the pictures and nature sounds are an excellent reminder to "just be." Think about the number of days in which we go from morning to evening in the hustle of our everyday flow missing beautiful sceneries like you posted. The scenes were there all the time, but we're too busy to stop and take it all in. We miss the daily joy or in your words our opportunity to "just be." Thank you for the important reminder to still ourselves so we can give ourselves exactly what we need.