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Watching the sun set, reading a book, watering the gaden - what kind of 'soft time' nurtures you most?

Change your life: Soft time

A few evenings ago I was wandering back home from our allotment, having spent a peaceful quarter of an hour watering the lettuces, peas, carrots and runner beans.

It was about 8pm – the air was warm and balmy – the swallows and swifts weaved, glided and dipped in the pink evening sky and as I walked down the hill, swinging my empty watering can, I was overcome by a sense of well-being. I felt completely content and at peace.

I wasn’t doing anything much, I wasn’t achieving anything much, I was just taking my time – just being and enjoying the moment.

Spiritual writer and teacher Gill Edwards describes this kind of experience as ‘Soft Time’.

Soft Time embodies those moments or periods of time when you are completely wrapped up in what you are doing and enter a different, almost timeless world.

As she puts it in her book ‘Pure Bliss’ they are “intensely creative and fulfilling periods when everything seems to flow blissful periods of simply relaxing and being-in-the-moment ”

In the hectic life we all seem to lead – with endless ‘to do’ lists, terrifyingly packed schedules, looming deadlines and multitasking (all characterised as living in Hard Time) it seems to me that “Soft Time” is becoming increasingly precious.

What constitutes ‘soft time’ for you? Is it gazing at a wonderful painting or sculpture? Exploring rock pools or looking for seashells? Luxuriating in a delicious aromatherapy bath? Or being utterly absorbed in a good book? When was the last time you enjoyed some ‘soft time’?

To quote Gill Edwards again, “When we live in Soft Time we feel more present and alive. We tap into our inner wisdom with ease. We are more focused and creative and perform at our peak … Living in Soft Time also releases our true potential. .. ”

Sounds great, doesn’t it? Whatever you do, don’t let Soft Time become an added pressure, but, rather, be aware of the need to make space for it if you can.

My guess is that even a few moments will nourish you immensely.

• Annabel Sutton is a Professional Certified Coach and Author.  She has lived in Los Angeles and Indonesia; survived earthquakes and riots, lived with head-hunters and enjoyed a portfolio career.  She now enjoys a somewhat quieter life in Somerset!  Her latest book, 52 Ways to Transform Your Life (Weekly Wisdom for Busy People), contains 52 inspiring, quick-to-read life tips and is available from http://amzn.to/2nSdMb2 . Find more information at  www.annabelsutton.com.