Cabin Season
“We’re going to the Lake this weekend.”
said half the population of the Twin Cities, MN
It’s cabin season in Minnesota!
Are you headed to a cabin by the lake this summer?
We don’t own a lakeside cabin, but I have girlfriends who do, and I’ve been to visit – for a day or for a long weekend. And I grew up going “to The Lake” most weekends of every summer, to my grandparents’ cottage near Lake Pymatuning in Pennsylvania. I’m very familiar with the joys of this season.
My husband grew up a few blocks from Lake Michigan, just north of Chicago. He lived by the lake all year round. His summer getaways were in the Appalachians of North Carolina where he spent time visiting his grandparents and going to summer camp, just outside of Asheville.
When we had a family of our own, we took vacations to beach houses via VRBO and Airbnb. Our summer adventures took us somewhere new every time.
Eventually we had the opportunity to purchase a place of our own, and we opted for one in the mountains of Colorado. We love it! Hikes right outside our door, mountain views, proximity to beautiful drives and nearby attractions – always plenty to do, if we want.
Most of the time, however, we enjoy just sitting on the deck and looking across at the tree-covered mountainside, naming the hummingbirds that come to our feeders, and chatting or reading.
There’s something about being away, at the lake or in the mountains, that relaxes and eases the soul.
A spacious, expansive feeling.
Simplicity and freedom from so many regular obligations and chores.
Fewer possessions to take care of, and so often, less worry about them as well.
Nothing that requires excessive daily care.
Projects here are by choice, mostly, rather than obligation.
Slower rhythms.
A surplus of nature and indulging in its glories.
Consider your days at the lake, or in the mountains, or at your favorite getaway place. Close your eyes and imagine being there. What happens in your soul?
Tell me:
What is it, exactly, that does this for you?
Where does this easing of tension come from?
Can you identify it?
How might you bring it into your everyday life?
