waldorfness

Ahhh, back to basics. And I love it. I found my way to waldorf living maybe 6 months ago, and like all things (except mothering) I drift in and out. For days, weeks, or months I try to follow the waldorf way of living: simplicity, rhythms, natural toys, breath in, breath out activities, and then just as quickly as I come into it, I find myself pulling away from it. I start taking more day trips to zoo and fun places for the kids. Missing naptimes due to extended bike rides and park visits. Drop my baking day, do to my 5 hour flop, cave to the temptation to buy cheap paint from target (only to return it a few days later). 

But the past week I have had a lot of time to think, read, and evaluate. One small conversation with a new friend instantly shot me back into what I am meant for. I love finding and using a rhythm that works for everyone. I love cooking all of our meals, and using the most natural, local, organic, and seasonal stuff I can find. I love watching Kate and Charlie paint with stockmar paints using real paintbrushes and real paper. I love seeing the look on Charlie's face when he holds up his finished product and says, "Want to hang this up in your room, Mommy?"

I love when days and days and days pass by and the TV has remained off and Charlie hasn't even asked to watch anything. I love telling stories to Charlie and hearing his ideas too. I love outside time followed by quiet activities. I love incorporating my chores into my day, inviting the kids to help, but feeling just as happy if they play together while I clean.

Somethings are natural for me, somethings are new. Like all new things it takes practice. I am not as crafty as I like, haven't found the motivation and time to sew and make clothes and toys like I want to. But that is a goal I will continue to meditate on. I haven't memorized verses or finger puppet shows, but know that when I do the kids will LOVE to join in. We haven't used our meal candles or night time candles for months, but that is ok.

Like everything in like it is a process, and ebb and flow, and in and out, and I will try to have the same amount of patience for myself as I do for my children.