Riding the Rhythm Into the Comfort Zone

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“Each one must learn the highest wisdom. It cannot be taught in words.” – Smowhala Wanapum

We’ve just returned from two week vacation on the beach. It was an incredible privilege to be able to take that time. It was born of a feeling that Mr. D needed a break between his 52-weeks-a-year preschool and starting Kindergarten. But it turned out to be something we all needed.

We had lots of friends join us. My friend, Eric, was with us a good deal of the two weeks. Also, my oldest friend, Katie, my meditation teacher, Deirdre, my mom, and one of Miss O’s friends came with her mom for part of the time.

But we also spent a number of days just the three of us. For anyone not in this phase of life with young children, it’s a tricky thing to present children with a whole lot of unstructured time. Ah, who am I kidding? It seems to be problematic for most every age.

For us, it started out with some rough moments. Mr. D lost it a few days in a row. The things that set it off were so innocuous. Like the time he didn’t want Miss O and her friend to go out in the dinghy after dinner even though he was invited and included. It had to be something else bugging him.

And then we found the rhythm. Activity, break, activity, food, activity, break, food, activity, bed. For example, wake up, walk on the beach, and then take a break; go swimming and then break for lunch; then pickleball; take a break; dinner and paddleboarding, then have some downtime watching shows and go to bed.

Here’s the lesson I derived for myself – when life feels new or unsettling, find the rhythm. Often the rhythm gets us through even when we are outside of our comfort zone.

It’s like every new hike or mountain I’ve undertaken. I feel the anxiety of not knowing where I’m going. And then I shoulder my pack and start walking. Soon enough, I will find or experience the answers. I just need to rely on the rhythm of my pace until I get there.

51 thoughts on “Riding the Rhythm Into the Comfort Zone”

  1. Oof! Finding the right rhythm of ‘activity, break, food’ is like magic, I think. Whether you’re on a fabulous vacation or just motoring through a regular day. Thanks for sharing Wynne…and thanks for taking us along with your photos and stories…and insight. xo! 🥰

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  2. Finding the rhythm in new situations, so true! Our worst moments are when we are hangry or tired. Sometimes a lot of newness is overstimulating and we get triggered, not just little kids, we all can suffer from that! As adults we think we can just power through, but we too need to take test and food breaks or we don’t last the day!

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  3. It’s so good when you get it right. I think the old song contains so much truth:

    For the rhythm of life is a powerful beat,

    Puts a tingle in your fingers and a tingle in your feet!

    Rhythm on the inside, rhythm on the street,

    And the rhythm of life is a powerful beat!

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  7. Sounds like a wonderful two weeks away, despite having the finetune your frequencies to the new rhythm. I love that you allowed space for others to join you, including Miss O’s friend and mom.

    Best wishes with adjusting back to your regular programming rhythm and enjoy the rest of your summer!

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  9. rhythms of life connect deeply with me. I think that is why vacations are stressful to many people (me too). Life changes of any kind drop my rhythm first. I think everyone should paddle a canoe once in awhile, just to have a physical rhythm…hoping to convert to deeper life rhythms of relationships and tasks.

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    1. I love that you mentioned paddling a canoe, because I thought the same thing as we were paddling paddleboards. It’s such a good reminder to have a physical rhythm! Thanks for the insightful comment, Gary!

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  10. “When life feels new or unsettling, find the rhythm.” This is brilliant, Wynne. I experienced so many moments in life, and finding some semblance of a routine in the newness always helps. I’m so glad you all had a nice little getaway!

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  11. Wise words. I’m glad you found your rhythm.

    Once, in my early post-divorce days, I took the kids to the Oregon coast for a weekend. I rented a beach house on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, and we had such a wonderful time. That first evening we made popcorn and played Scrabble, and later, I fired up the pellet stove to take the bite out of the cool ocean air while listening to music.

    That’s actually one of my favorite memories ever. You guys will cherish yours, as well.

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  12. Finding your rhythm is such a great way to describe it. When my kids were young, we’d spend two months each summer at the beach to avoid the Palm Springs heat. My husband would join us for long weekends. It was challenging at times, but I have great memories of their creative play at the beach.

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  14. Oh, it sounds like it was a great time. Good for you. “Here’s the lesson I derived for myself – when life feels new or unsettling, find the rhythm. Often the rhythm gets us through even when we are outside of our comfort zone.” Here’s to finding our rhythm!

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  15. “find the rhythm”, this sounds more achievable than “making routines”. I’ve been struggling with the advice to make a morning and evening routine… I’d rather find a rhythm and go with that. 😊

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  16. I like the sound of a familiar rhythm in the face of the unknown. It really doesn’t matter where I wake up, there will be coffee, time to read, think, and greet the coming day. It’s my souls rhythm and we don’t dare mess with that. We are like the familiarity of a comforting pattern. This is so good. Hugs, C

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  18. Awesome rhythm, Wynne. It looks like you had a great family vacation. I remember those days. Our last vacation was on a cruise, and they had a teen club. So, on most days, our 16-year-old’s rhythm was breakfast, teen club, lunch, teen club, dinner, family time, sleep. It was wonderful. Enjoy this time with your little ones—they are precious.

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