Picture the scene: I’m standing in a field at a festival in East Sussex surrounded by my mates, the opening chords of “Can You Feel It?” by The Jacksons thrum through the speakers and my heart courses with pure joy.
I’m transported back to student days when this music was the soundtrack to my life. Week in, week out we’d pile into the student union disco and dance till we dropped, shaking out our youthful angst, staggering home in the small hours, sweaty and satisfyingly spent, before collapsing into bed.
As I danced to Uncle Funk’s Disco Inferno I rediscovered joy – right here, right now – moving my body to the music I love, sharing the moment with my pals. I was finally in the present, not pushing through my To Do list. I’d been in “deferred gratification” mode for so long I’d forgotten what pure in-the-moment joy was.
Worthy well-being pursuits are all very well – meditation, healthy eating, getting to bed early: the sensible organic veg of life – but they’re not enough on their own. FUN is the essential seasoning that brings out the flavour to life and makes it feel worth living.
Today is Lammas, the Celtic festival that marks the mid point between the Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox in late September. It marks the high point of summer and the first harvest of the year – a time to reap the rewards of your efforts and have a well-earned rest.
You know how to work hard – but do you know how to rest and restore?
Restoration isn’t just the absence of doing – it’s a conscious skill, especially as we get older. For me, to replenish I need to purposely choose activities that unplug me from the digital world and my overthinking brain and reconnect me to my heart, gut, senses and community.
So, as we move into August, ask yourself: What do I TRULY need to restore myself in the holidays? Take a moment to look beyond the usual suspects (beach, trashy novels etc) and find that forgotten pleasure – your version of Uncle Funk – that gives you pure joy. You’ll be glad you did.