August, typically, is the slowest month for me.
The day-by-day routine is frenetic and drains energies for an entire year. Work, family and unexpected issues to deal with are all a source of stress that gets accumulated with almost no chance to release it.
This month is a sort of “mindfulness month” when I slow down completely in all my activities, and work on myself to reduce the level of stress.
Being off work for a few weeks gives me the opportunity to change my daily habits: I wake up later and give sleep the right amount of hours, I make fewer plans about things I have to do, and, most important, I spend time with my family in a more valuable way.
One of the best things is the silence. Summer in the countryside seems to freeze time. The atmosphere is completely still, people are mostly away on vacation and even nature appears to be resting making no sounds, with only a sporadic exception coming from some tweets (nope, not THOSE tweets…).
This break is valid for my photography, as well. I tend not to set any shoot during this period. Models are enjoying their time with parties, seaside and any other kind of recreation, so it’s almost impossible to find anyone available.
On the other hand, I use it to think about future projects and to pre-visualize what to do and with whom.
It’s also the time of the year when I read the most. I’ve just finished a book by one of my favourite writers, Clive Cussler, and I’m currently enjoying “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon.
It’s a great book, with a lot to think about, besides the story. I recommend it to you.
The peaceful and slow life of August reminds me that we all live in a world that’s more and more demanding, day after day. We always find ourselves running after things, problems and commitments.
We need to be more conscious that we have to keep the right balance. If we give all our energies to others, what’s left for us?
We have to learn to be a bit more selfish when it comes to our health.
Do you have a moment, during the year, when you choose to look after yourselves?
I do hope so.
Take care and talk soon!
So glad you decided to read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime 🙌
i understand what you are saying, i agree with the need to take time off and look after ourselves. to me, this mindfulness should be in smaller amounts but more often, kind off two days every month (just an example). believed it or not, we can learn a lot from cats: they are not sleeping in a block like humans but spread that sleep - few small episodes during a 24 hours period