before bedtime

This is the moment I look forward to every day. When dishes are washed, bellies are fed, and the smell of strawberry shampoo lingers in the air. When there's nothing else to do but play a game of Monopoly in our pajamas, read our favorite books or nestle on the couch and watch a movie together. When I am not only reminded to unplug, slow down and enjoy the present moment, but also to invite soothing, peaceful energy into my home and life, every day.

What about you? Is there a special place or hour of the day that helps you slow down, center, and brings a sense of quiet and peace to your busy life? Tell us. And please, show us.

Comments

[Kellee]

I wish any of my moments were as beautiful and full as what you have described.

The time when I feel like that is in the middle of the night, when most everyone else is sleeping, and I wander outside and look to the stars. Picking our familiar constellations makes me feel centered in the universe.

Also, when I'm awake early enough in the morning to catch the sunrise. There is something quiet and peaceful and greeting the morning.

[georgia]

i love the mood in this shot. you really get the sense of someone who is behind the scenes looking on with such pride and peace and quiet joy.

i'd say, hands down, the best time for the hubby and me is when we wake up and put the coffee on and watch old, nostalgic tv shows like i dream of jeanie or the brady bunch and drink our coffee together.
http://itsjusthowiseethings.blogspot.com/2009/11/november-gratitude-part-three_16.html

the other wind down time of the day and bonding time for is right before bed. every night right before bed, we watch re-runs of the office together. we had never watched the show during prime time, so we watch it together now every night. it sounds kind of silly, but every day at work, i look forward to getting home, getting through dinner and all the other things that need to be done, and sitting down to watch our show. :)

[Kizz]

As tough as it was in the blustery winter weather I'm finding that the walks with my dog were my mediation time. She died in early October and I'm getting less exercise for my body and less calming time for my brain. I'm not ready for another dog (yet) but I haven't figured out how to work around the loss. Here's a shot of my girl in healthier days:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31403417@N00/2953215934/in/set-72157603969964422/

[kristin]

love this and i can really relate. perhaps having 2 small ones as well who not only like our quiet times, but REQUIRE them to thrive. yesterday we had a very busy holiday day and they both were feeling the meltdowns that accompany such days. we turned off all the lights except our tree and got on the floor and read a few books. this is our routine every night in their bedroom, but something about this night and doing it by the light of the tree felt extra special.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14811117@N02/4180464494/

[kamana]

bedtimes are my favourite times too. and i love the time with hubby dearest after the kids are in bed. i also love quiet story times with the children when we all snuggle in together to read.

[littlepurplecow (Stephanie Roberts)]

The perspective and grainy texture of this image is really great, Irene. I love lazy Saturday mornings for much the same reasons.

[Puna]

hmmm...I particularly love mornings on the days when I have nothing to do. They are few and far between.

http://lifesignatures.org/wordpress/2009/12/december-14-rest-recover/

[e l k]

as the new light filters in early morning across my table:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sammymom/4158832884/