“Remain still long enough for perception to dilate and take in the unknown.” ~ Stephen Nachmanovitch, The Art of Is Here in Niagara we’re slowly emerging from a year and a half of revolving lockdowns. Many of us, myself included, have experienced a slowing down of sorts, less social activity, limited travel, and a more open calendar. I feel lucky that I was able to do so.
As my sisters were sea shell hunting today I decided to just sit still in the shade in a lawn chair on the beach. I noticed a crab doing the sideways walk and digging a hole. I also had a bird visit me quite close. It was fantastic.
This week's challenge is for me a "jolt" into a new reality. I retired just before Covid restrictions began. I had been working hard and had many projects going and I was looking forward to a change of pace. However I was not prepared for "lock down" which is what happened in our community. Because we have independent living patio homes, condominiums, apartments, assisted living and Health Care communities it was hard to vary the amount of lock down and so restrictions were rigid. At first it seemed like an answer to a prayer for me, I could seclude myself in my apartment, read, write, sit an contemplate and no interruptions. Then reality there were still the daily chores, many commitments to fulfil and learning to live virtually. So lie has moved on, some restrictions have been relaxed and I find myself unsettled not knowing what my next move, emotion, action should be, and with all this come steady interruptions as people put their lives in order. You invite me to "do nothing" that was what I longed for 18 months ago, it is still what I long to do! The problem: I am not able to do nothing, and I am not able to do anything, So I accept your invitation to enter into the Practices you suggest and in the stillness seek clarity.
As my sisters were sea shell hunting today I decided to just sit still in the shade in a lawn chair on the beach. I noticed a crab doing the sideways walk and digging a hole. I also had a bird visit me.
As my sisters were sea shell hunting today I decided to just sit still in the shade in a lawn chair on the beach. I noticed a crab doing the sideways walk and digging a hole. I also had a bird visit me quite close. It was fantastic.
This week's challenge is for me a "jolt" into a new reality. I retired just before Covid restrictions began. I had been working hard and had many projects going and I was looking forward to a change of pace. However I was not prepared for "lock down" which is what happened in our community. Because we have independent living patio homes, condominiums, apartments, assisted living and Health Care communities it was hard to vary the amount of lock down and so restrictions were rigid. At first it seemed like an answer to a prayer for me, I could seclude myself in my apartment, read, write, sit an contemplate and no interruptions. Then reality there were still the daily chores, many commitments to fulfil and learning to live virtually. So lie has moved on, some restrictions have been relaxed and I find myself unsettled not knowing what my next move, emotion, action should be, and with all this come steady interruptions as people put their lives in order. You invite me to "do nothing" that was what I longed for 18 months ago, it is still what I long to do! The problem: I am not able to do nothing, and I am not able to do anything, So I accept your invitation to enter into the Practices you suggest and in the stillness seek clarity.
I love (!) this week's practice.
Sitting still until the mud settles... and then looking.
Thanks Kim
As my sisters were sea shell hunting today I decided to just sit still in the shade in a lawn chair on the beach. I noticed a crab doing the sideways walk and digging a hole. I also had a bird visit me.