A little down time

It was almost too ironic that after having posted Fridays post everything changed! It's the way of the Universe to say "slow down, bring it in, breathe". Sadly, that meant the littlest little became sick with a very mean stomach flu (as well as the two oldest with just the 4 year old being spared for the moment). Even now, 3 days later, she is still not feeling her best. She wants nothing more than to be tucked into her Mama's arms, snuggled up with a cozy blanket, and then gently fall asleep no matter the time of day. The big kids seem to be bouncing back a little more quickly but are eager to just be home, snuggled on the sofa with funny movies that haven't been watched in ages, a nap, or a good book. Our rhythms are a little off, but, what else do you do in this case?

When any of us fall ill I take into careful consideration what they take in. Whether food, energy, stimulation.......our home becomes a sanctuary for the sick. No visitors. No loud noises. No boisterous stimulation. The lighting is gentle, the food is very clean, and you can easily hear the breathing in and breathing out that happens during a time of healing.

lovely photo from Q's Kitchen

The stomach flu provides a good time to clean out and bring in a very clean diet. We tend to eat pretty cleanly anyway, but it's always nice to clear the slate every now and again. We get back to the bare essentials; grains, soup, tea, water. My children have a lovely memory of Mama's chicken soup simmering on the stove all day and that the most wonderful gift at the end of the day is to slowly sip the warm, salty broth and know that it is full of love and wholesome goodness. Thankfully, my soups aren't just reminders of illness, that wouldn't be such a fun memory!

We also tend to lean towards a gentle and holistic way of treating our illnesses. We stay away from store bought medications, as much as possible. I like to think that our Earth is full of all these amazing herbs and flowers for a reason, and so we like to bring them into our healing rituals.We use chamomile tea for comfort, heated salt as a compress for tummy pains, homemade salted oat milk for electrolyte replacement, lavender baths, citrus essential oil air purifiers, homemade bread and soups. Although, the number one proven remedy for lasting well-being is........good old fashioned snuggles! There is nothing more calming, reassuring, and healing than lying wrapped up in Mama or Daddy's arms, and it works for children at any age!


It is my hope that by weeks end we are back up and running. It's nice to have a respite from the daily grind but after a few days everyone becomes a bit restless with the lack of activity and misses feeling well. For me, I just love having everyone home. I can give my heart to all the children, all day. Tell them I love them and provide a beautiful place for healing and bringing it in. A little down time, longer than a weekend. A little convalescence. A little healing.

How do you and your family 'bring it in' when there is illness or a need for recuperating? What are your favorite remedies for health and well being? Wishing you all good health and a happy heart!