Breaks come in all shapes and sizes. Some are long, others short. We take breaks from people, work, activities, and responsibilities. We can take a break from one thing or everything. Breaks can be physical or mental. They can be of our own choosing or thrust upon us. They can be scheduled or spontaneous. They can be taken for fun, to de-stress, to relax or to recuperate. They can also be opportunities for growth.
Around the country, at different times, schools of all types have been experiencing spring breaks. Teaching at two different universities and having children in school means that my own schedule is impacted by three different school breaks that unfortunately don’t line up perfectly on the calendar.
As we approached spring break at City College, our class was having a discussion on the topic of growth. What it is for us personally and how we achieve it. It was interesting to note (and a sign of great self-awareness) that two of the first answers the students offered to how they grow were “to rest” and “letting go.” Both are benefits of a break. When we rest our minds and bodies recover, recalibrate and muscles grow. When we let go of things we opt not to carry around unnecessary weight or baggage that is keeping us down (or from growing). Both allow us to become more self-aware and deliberate with our actions.
The Saturday before this class discussion, I had decided to take a break of my own. I would not open my laptop or check my phone all day. It sounds like such a simple idea but in the context of a day where I had nothing particularly urgent planned, it eliminated a default behavior. Just think of all the instances throughout the day when you have a little downtime. Standing in a line, waiting for someone, sitting on the couch, etc. How often do you reflexively check your phone? Or open a laptop to do a little work, shopping or random exploring? If you’re curious, there is a function where you can see how many times a day you pick up your phone. Often people tell me it’s one or two hundred times a day. Even if it’s only 30-40 that’s three or four times every waking hour.
With this default off the table, I found myself more present and self aware. I noticed how the sun refracted off a lamp in my living room creating a dazzling light show on my floor. I was more attentive to the needs of my aging dog, probably setting a record for belly rubs in a day much to his enjoyment. I had a wonderful conversation with two of my daughters over dinner. I let my mind wander. When a question piqued my curiosity, I thought through the possible answers rather than turning to google for an instant answer. I moved throughout my day lighter, having let go of the weight of a phone – which while it only weighs 5-8 ounces, sometimes feels like it carries the weight of the world.
This break from my phone was wonderful and instructive. Undoubtedly, I grew from the experience. Appreciating both the ways it supported my lifestyle and detracted from it.
This week I’ve been watching the PBS documentary, Thoreau, who took one of the most famous breaks in all of history. Living for two years in a small cabin in the woods, he built with his own two hands, on the outskirts of town. He famously wrote that he “wished to live deliberately to front only the essential facts of life.” encouraging us all to “connect, connect, connect” and “simplify, simplify, simplify.” The amount of growth he experienced during these two years not only changed his own life but countless others who have benefited by his writing and his example – including my own.
Breaks let us see our lives and our worlds differently. We grow by doing less, by resting, letting go, connecting and simplifying our days. It is a gift we give ourselves and those around us.
Give yourself a break today and tomorrow and every day.
This Week’s Recommendation: Definitely check out Thoreau on PBS, rather than a strict biographical doc, it puts his life and writing in the context of our challenges and opportunities today.
Consider sharing this with someone who could use a break.