Harnessing nature's healing embrace to find tranquility amidst the bustle of our busy lives.
The lead up to Christmas this year elicits a particularly conflicted array of emotions. The pervasive presence of pain, suffering, and grief in the world makes it challenging to discern the appropriate response. Many of us resort to distraction, bustling about to immerse ourselves in activities and shield ourselves from the poignant peripheral aspects of our global reality. It dawned on me last week that this is precisely what I have been doing.
On Friday morning, running behind schedule and entangled in contemplation of all I needed to accomplish, I found myself caught in the customary December rush. My intention was to establish order, to attain a sense of organization, in the hope that it would alleviate the sadness weighing on my heart. However, the reality was that I felt anything but organized or appeased.
I opened the window to take a breath, and the most beautiful bird song floated through the window. It was crisp, clear and captivating; holding me in a moment of peace and tranquility, allowing me to surrender control and open my heart to embrace a sense of faith.
The moment of birdsong gave me space to pause, to slow down and take a beat. Nature’s gentle interjection permitted me to soften, to breathe more deeply and rescued me from the whirlwind of my thoughts.
These precious moments of breath create the bridge between chaos and calm.
I recognised the recurring pattern we often find ourselves in, hurrying through the days to get to that one special day, that one grand event; only to have it swiftly pass. In doing so, we forfeit the opportunity to appreciate the wonders around us, which serve as grounding gifts in times of overwhelm. We overlook the small moments that possess the potential to impart profound lessons.
Our world will continue to be as complex as ever, navigating extremely difficult and challenging situations; most of which lie beyond our control.
Faith serves as our guiding light when the world feels dark, as unwavering belief in a greater purpose, a higher power, guiding us along our journey.
Regardless of where you find yourself on your path, whether amidst a significant journey of change or amidst December's customary hustle, I hope you can carve out a moment to breathe, to ground yourself, and connect with your heart, allowing it to be your guide.
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