Summer, holidays and other good things

Morning mist on Lake Mapourika, New Zealand.

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Temperature has suddenly gone up, and I can feel summer and holidays in the air. Young people out of school and university are hanging on the corners, meeting friends and basically doing nothing. In the evenings I can smell the barbeques when I walk my dog.

Summer is a time to take it easy and recharge batteries. Some people choose to stay at work during “holiday high season” while the office is practically empty, because it feels so good to be in a quiet environment and have time to clean up emails and papers. I am tempted myself to bring the computer with me on holidays, just to sort out my emails – but faith has it, there is no internet connection.. I am sure that will be a very good thing – I’ll have time to clear the hard disk of my brain!

During my coaching training I learnt that we need time to just “be”, to stay still and listen to the now. How much do you stay in “be”? Talking for myself, I am quite good at “do”, but not so much at “be” – I tend to think most of us in the western world would recognise that. Holidays is an opportunity to stop, take a deep breath, look around, let the impressions sink in, taste the food, enjoy the view, watch people, walk slowly and have no plans. For those of you with small kids, you may think “yeah, right!”. I hope you find an opportunity anyway, when the kids are playing or sleeping or you have arranged with a babysitter.

If you visit a new country this year, take time to sit in a café, just watching how people interact and communicate. Stay curious and with an open mind. I am sure you will learn something about that culture. If you stay at home or in your home country; do the same! You may see and experience new things with a relaxed mindset.

I’m not off on holidays yet, but I will try to let the holiday spirit sink in at any opportunity, whether it is a longer morning walk, a relaxed lunch or enjoying the sunset from my terrace.

Have a great summer!

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Reader's Comments »

  1. By Jake on juillet 27, 2011 at 9:21

    Great blog. Really tells people what summers all about. Some very strong words from you as well; we can tell you enjoy your summers. Have a good one!

  2. By admin on juillet 28, 2011 at 8:01

    Thank you, Jake! Enjoy your summer too