CFD Director’s Message 9.4.24

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“Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.” -Rumi

Something that the toddler I am raising recently got in the habit of is clinging to handfuls of small items (for example, fall leaves, apple slices, miniature toys, various household items, etc.) to the point where he has much more than he can hold for long. He then proceeds to perpetually fumble said items. He will pause to pick up an item or two, while dropping some of the other items still in his hands.

Witnessing this is quite the endearing, comical, continual cycle, but it also has served me an accurate animation of what happens when we literally take on more than we can handle. We, as humans living in a capitalist world that is ever focused on productivity, often experience pressure to take on more than we realistically can handle while keeping ourselves well. There are times it may feel tricky to find a balance and to give ourselves grace in the face of what we have dropped. Truthfully, however, we do sometimes need to practice self-compassion in the form of letting go of what we have dropped go to keep our focus on what matters most. Eventually, the wisdom and discernment in gauging what we can handle in the first place grows, so that we find ourselves at peace with declining some invitations.

To me, this time of year (being at the start of a new school and church year) always feels like a good season to check myself in this way, assessing where I may be unnecessarily leaking my energy, reducing distractions, getting organized, and setting realistic goals. I hope you, too, find that the routines of fall may bring you more balance, focus, and ease. While the joy and play that comes with summer-specific activities may be ending for the year, may we remember that those truly are acts of self-care worth prioritizing year-round, too.

I am excited to host some new and familiar activities this September! Please note that we have adapted the hours for Art Journaling to be held after church on Sundays as of this month. I also set the hike back an hour to allow folks plenty of time to make it to Mankato Pride.

The following activities are subject to change or cancellation in the case of no RSVPs, so please go the links below to register: