One Step Whole Living: Creating Rhythm in the Home

Last month, I began a new challenge for myself taking one simple step into whole living. I'm beginning a new challenge each month as I incorporate the last one into my life. I also hope to update on my progress throughout the month.

In December my challenge was to reduce the amount of processed foods my family eats. I don't know what I was thinking when I said that was one step! That's more like a year's challenge. I did, however, stick to my idea and made progress. I began a sourdough starter twice, and killed it twice. I think the place I chose to keep it was too warm, so I'm on to my third try. If that doesn't work, a friend of mine found a great source for me to purchase one, Cultures for Health.

I did start buying sprouted grain and sourdough only breads from Whole Foods and have started collecting recipes that include soaked grains/flour so I can begin making more nutritious baked goods in general. I substituted some of our sandwiches for whole grain salads or sides. And I got the opportunity to make my own ketchup, which was actually pretty easy and tasty.

Now here we are, in the midst of Winter and beginning a new year.  As I contemplated the year, I realized how perfect that Winter is to create a new rhythm at home. A rhythm, if you are not familiar, is similar to a routine or schedule in that it is how your day goes. It is unlike a schedule in that it is created naturally or intuitively, not so much planned. It incorporates all that a day contains- waking up, getting dressed, meals, chores, play, rest/naps, baths and bedtime- but also considers mood or tone and environment.

Along with the beginning of the year, my husband will soon begin a new semester at school and my Everett is going to be staying at home instead of going to school.  So, while I am not necessarily planning our rhythm, I am focusing on it this month. I am putting aside extra projects and keeping our schedule free to allow plenty of time at home. Our rhythm will serve as a wonderful foundation of stability for the busier spring and summer to come, and it serves to support Everett as he grows more independent and branches out to participate in more activity outside our home.


There are a few things to consider in creating a rhythm at home...

• The day should be paced by the child. As adults, we work at a much faster pace and are in our heads more of the time. I encourage you to slow down. 
• Your rhythm should be consistent and predictable. Here is where some of my planning comes it. We specify a day to run errands, like grocery shopping, and take classes. This is planned, however, and only kept if it works with the flow of the rest of the day and week. 
• Work in small increments of time, maybe 15 minutes, when accomplishing tasks. This keeps my focus on Everett and keeps me from getting caught up in "what must be done." 
• Play should be a large part of the day. 
• Incorporate chores into the rhythm and involve your child.  I often ask Everett if he wants to help with the dishes or spray the cleaner as I dust. At this pace he is eager to help, not too much is expected of him, and he learns how a family works. 
• Set aside time for rest or quiet for everyone. Everett is still learning how to spend some quiet time by himself (at least without a screen in front of him) but I am trying to implement one so that he learns that parents need a recharge, too. Often we share in quiet time with books or artwork and while allowing Kellan time to nap. 
• Follow the flow of the sun. Rise with the sun and start the day with the bulk of your activity. Quiet the house down and begin bedtime routines with the setting of the sun. 
• Be sure that your home environment reflects the flow of the day. Create a space that nurtures your rhythm.  Bright sunlit rooms in the day time, music and activity. Lights low, slower paced activity and quiet voices in the evenings.