What does “unhurried spaciousness” mean to you? Do you allow for serendipity in your life, or do you schedule every second? Do you have room in your life for the space that demands no timelines? Are there times where you slow down? It’s so important to allow for some blank space on a regular basis, not just saving up your vacation time!
In this episode and post below, we share all about the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and how being open to serendipity made an amazing experience even more incredible!
Listen to this episode on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, TuneIn, YouTube, iHeartRadio or your RSS Feed *Now also on the Pandora app and Radio.com!
The Rally of a Lifetime
What an incredible week we've had! So yet again, we were at a Fulltime Families rally, connecting with 48 other families at the 48th annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. (That number 48 follows me wherever I go...).
The FTF Rally, much like a "family camp", is such an incredible event to get to know other families on the road. There is plenty of down time even as it's also full of activities and fun things to do. From Mom's and Dad's nights out, hot air balloon Jeopardy (loved this game), crafts, potlucks and field trips, these rallies are SO much fun! And this one happened to be especially epic due to the balloons!
Pin for later:
Where are we this week?
I am officially about a month behind with our instagram posts. And I keep them in order because, quite honestly, this account is personal - it's a documentation of our travels that goes directly into Chatbooks for us to look back on and remember this amazing journey (Use this code to get your first book free: RGYCAMC3 ).
Here are just a few fun pictures of our rig and the whole FTF crew that was there!
Follow us on our journey on Insta as the FieldTripGypsies!
The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
So, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta just so happens to be the largest hot air balloon event in the world!! This whole event is just spectacular. It's still going on this week, yet after a full week of rallies we knew we needed to recharge a bit...especially since we just made the decision to go to another rally in just three weeks from now!
So - this event was so, so incredible. Cliff's notes version: we crewed balloons, which means we got up at 5am and set up and took down hot air balloons and learned all about the process. We also saw some of the most spectacular fireworks and skydiving shows we've ever seen. Seriously, skydivers with fireworks coming off their feet as they do all kinds of pyrotechnics in the air!
If you are at all into hot air balloons...or if you just want to learn more about them - I cannot recommend this event enough. Definitely goes in my top ten of epic events ever!
Jump in and Help!
Part of what made our time there so awesome was due to our willingness to simply dive in and help. Not simply sitting on the sidelines, but really looking at where a need was and how we could help to fulfill it. This was a critical learning experience for our girls as we helped them navigate how to be "body aware" and not get in the way, yet also look for ways to help without just being instructed to do so.
Are you - and your children- capable of seeing the need vs. being told what to do? Can you jump in and help even if clear instructions aren't given?
Dig Deeper...
Make space for Serendipity
So what exactly do we mean by serendipity? Well, the definition is "the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way."
Serendipity opens up a space for opportunity.
And boy was the hot air balloon ride an incredible event! Not only did I get to go up and experience the beauty in the quiet, but I signed the basket banner and got the inaugural hot air balloon ceremony since it was our first time!
Open to the Madness
You know your life is busy. It may be hectic and crazy and jam-packed. However, schedule in more than just the necessary. Schedule in times that are simply "open to the madness" that allow you to hyper-focus in to what needs to be done, or allow for those moments of serendipity that you didn't have the space to squeeze in before.
When our energy shifts and we create space - to put out fires, to allow for down time, and to be open to serendipity...it's incredible what comes from this.
What kind of world are you building?
Are you getting intentional about what life you live? Do you simply react, or do you create space to rest, to assess, to re-evaluate and allow for those random situations that undoubtedly crop up?
Do you remember how to have fun, or do you simply block off those vacation days and assume you'll figure it out then?
There are no rollover minutes in life. You can't guarantee vacation time and that you'll even know what to do with it. What are you doing on a weekly - and daily - basis to recharge?
Don't put so much pressure on your vacation as being that one time to rest. Play with adding in a little "vacation" every day!
Your Weekly Challenge:
Look for "unhurried spaciousness". Maybe it's a tech-free day every week, or a designated down night that you keep sacred and don't make plans for. Or maybe it's a ten minute meditation practice in the morning. Create those "blank walls" where you are really free for opportunity.
I am passionate that each of us has our own unique strengths that are important to share. You are powerful beyond measure. You make an impact. And so does everyone else in your family. The more you can understand that, know how to interconnect, and have grace, the more your family will thrive. Because ultimately, the uniqueness in each of us strengthens all of us.
Namaste
Questions or comments?
Personality styles, marriage/intimacy, parenting, education, minimalism or travel - what is pressing on your mind?
Or, hop on over to the Mama Says Namaste or Unschooling Families FB groups and ask your question there!