Dear Reader,
The word "gentle" has come up in multiple conversations over the course of this past week. The desire for a gentle, slow start to the day. The need to be gentle with ourselves during periods of anxiety and grief. Treating someone with kindness and gentleness, even when it's hard. To go about something in a gentle way.
I've learned a great deal about gentleness from taking care of our chickens. It doesn't matter how much of a rush I find myself in - when it comes time to grab each egg out of the chicken coop, I must slow myself down and be gentle. Rushing the process won't get me anything, but a broken egg - or two.
Gentleness doesn't mean timid or fearful. It's not a sign of weakness.
In fact, I think gentleness shows a great deal of strength, patience, and understanding.
What are some ways you can invite more gentleness into your life?
Perhaps it means slowing down your pace a bit - making space for rest. Or maybe it looks like rephrasing the way you speak to yourself - adjusting your mindset.
To help end this week with gentleness, I've written a few reflection questions to ponder through.
