Parents should trust themselves more. Everything is not done by restless endeavour. The mere blessed fact of the parental relationship and of that authority which belongs to it, by right and by nature, acts upon the children as do sunshine and shower on a seed in good soil. But the fussy parent, the anxious parent, the parent who explains overmuch, who commands overmuch, who excuses overmuch, who restrains overmuch, who interferes overmuch, even the parent who is with the children overmuch, does away with dignity and simplicity of that relationship which, like all the best and most delicate things in life, suffer by being asserted or defended.
~Charlotte Mason (Vol. 3, p. 29)
As I understand it, masterly inactivity is the art of getting out of my children’s way. And there’s no better place to practice this subtle art than outdoors. Outdoor play is especially refreshing after a focused morning of lessons at home. I look forward to the soul-nourishment offered in the sunshine and fresh air as much as my children do.
Knowing when to step aside is important for a homeschooling parent. The children and I must not lose ourselves in each other. Through the practice of masterly inactivity, I am renewed and the children are strengthened.
So what does this look like?
Here are some ways that I practice mastery inactivity when we are enjoying an afternoon outdoors:
- Watch the children play. Breathe deeply. Connect with feelings of love and gratitude.
- Meditate/ Pray/ Just be (and stop doing)
- Make plans/ menus/ grocery lists
- Daydream
- Keep a journal, write a novel, make notes for a blog
- Study nature and keep a Nature Notebook
- Sketch or paint
- Knit, crochet, sew, embroider
- Make a simple toy
- Chat with a friend
- Eat or sip something delicious, savoring every bit
- Read
- Take photographs
