When I’m at home in my oh-so-familiar surroundings, the busyness of life so easily captures my attention and it’s easy to succumb to it. I find myself being pulled here and pushed there, sometimes swimming upstream against the current, at other times I’m carried by the strong undertow of today’s fast-paced world.  Occasionally I’m running down several paths at once, caught up in the doing this or that, and going hither and thither. 

Can you relate?  

I’m not inferring that busyness is a bad thing … it just that when we find ourselves wrapped up in that constant cycle of going and doing, it can be all-consuming. I’ve discovered myself in that mode many a time … after it sneaked up on me … catching me by surprise.

You’ve heard of the frog who was boiled in a pot? Placed in cold water and gradually heated?  Before the frog ever realizes his impending fate, he’s slowly boiled alive! That’s my state at times when I’m home. The routine busyness quietly heats up and takes over.  Thankfully I generally awaken to it and intentionally switch gears to a more balanced pace of life!

Every six months we visit my Dad in Dorset … we’ve done it for 21 years now … and aside from the pleasure of spending precious time with my Dad, it’s a very welcome sojourn from the hustle and bustle of daily routine back at home … a routine of activity we enjoy … but one where taking time to contemplate can be neglected … and fall by the way.

Taking a minute to contemplate is refreshing and renewing to the body, mind and especially the soul. We humans crave it, but often we deprive ourselves of those vital moments of peace and serenity.

When I’m over here, I take time to immerse myself in nature.  A wander through the woods and fields, a meander along the river, present in my surroundings while my thirsty being soaks in the pure magnificence of it all.  It’s always a beautiful reminder that doing and going must be accompanied by frequent moments of “being”.

Are you overwhelmed? Stale from the normal routine?

Simply step outside, find somewhere quiet, breathe deep in the silence, look up at the sky and feel the stress and busyness evaporate. Seek the peace, tranquility and gratitude of the moment. Marvel at the beauty of nature, the miracle of the clouds above, the warmth of the sun, or the joyful pitter-patter of gentle rain. 

Contemplate how amazing life is!

“Feast your eyes on the beauty of nature for a few minutes and your soul will sing for hours.” ~ Anthea