February, the last month of winter. The floods in the last few days of January left our village cut off as the river swelled its banks and the water spilled across the road and into people’s houses. I was struck by two things; the people who moved sandbags to help prevent more water from entering neighbours’ homes and the people who literally drove over the ‘Road Closed’ signs and continued to plough through the water in their 4 x4s. It couldn’t have been starker; those who cared about others and those who only thought of reaching their destination!
On a brighter note, the days are getting longer, and the birds are beginning to sing. The damp dark days are ebbing as they begin to show their brighter side. Nature has begun to turn a corner; bulbs are emerging, the snowdrops are carpeting the edges of the woodlands and crocuses are showing their brightly coloured heads against the soggy back drop of the earth. It is time to start the cycle of life once more. I don’t know about you, but as I see the plants coming to life and hear the birds in the morning, it lifts my spirits.
This last week I have been clearing out my book collection and identified several hundred books that I no longer have a use for. They are being packaged up and found new homes; given to friends, charity shops and the more specialist ones sold on. Memories emerge with each book engendering a feeling of reliving specific times in my life; those of my travels and research with indigenous peoples, scientific books, uplifting inspiring books and those read for the pure joy of reading. The one that stood out for me yesterday was ‘The Invitation’ by Oriah Mountain Dreamer. I read it when it first came out 20 years ago and flicking through it yesterday, I recall how inspired I felt when I first read it. It is a must for anyone feeling they need a ‘lift’.
Taking moments to reflect and appreciate the joy of life has never felt more important. The world feels like it is going through a seismic shift. The powerful or those perceived as powerful, flexing their muscles and economic power, often to the detriment of others.
Truly connecting with ourselves and genuinely enjoying life is precious. Sitting and having heart felt conversations with others, being truly present, sitting or walking in nature, watching the gracefulness of a kite riding the thermals as it searches for its next meal, listening to the robin and blue tits singing their joyous songs. These simple things literally take a moment and yet gives us a true sense of being alive. It also energises us and helps us retain a sense of perspective.
However, many people simply fill their lives with ‘busyness’; afraid to be alone or quiet, distracting themselves with computer games, social media and tv. How have we become so disconnected from our true selves? The focus on materialism and having more ‘stuff’ seems to predominate most people’s lives as they chase an illusion of happiness.
To step away from this, I have developed a simple habit. Each time I feel myself being drawn to some distraction I ask, ‘What is the purpose of this?’ ‘How will it benefit me or anyone else?’ This enables me to come back to the present moment, take a breath and appreciate that moment. No matter where we are we can do this; take a moment to watch a tree waving in the breeze or a child running with joy or simply appreciate the food we are eating.
Life really is a journey of discovery and learning. I have found adopting small tactics such as this one, help me maintain my balance and perspective. In turn, this enables me to be present for my others and help them to feel more connected and succeed.
The wheel of life continues……