STILLNESS
I've
finally decided to get down to business and write a blog. One other person in
my family blogs regularly, and I always enjoy reading what she writes. And now
that I have an iPad (that I call Paddy) along with the keyboard that Angi
bought me as a present during my last visit to Ontario, I'm all set.
One
unique feature of Paddy is that I can turn up the brightness setting and see
the screen clearly -- even outdoors, as is the case today. Yesterday Nige, my longtime friend and companion, suggested
I come along with him on a walk to one of his favourite haunts only 15 miles
from home. This Sweet Trail runs
along an ancient pathway through the Somerset levels where, between 4500 and
2000BC, my ancestors lived. They were plant gatherers who ingeniously created a
thoroughfare above the swampy ground. Not long ago, a piece of this ancient
pathway, cleverly constructed from tree limbs and flat boards, was uncovered a
few feet beneath the path on which nature lovers now walk. However, it was
decided that to expose the ancient timbers to the air would be to destroy them. Therefore they were reburied
for preservation.
As I followed
the path above the old trail, I took myself back in time and imagined myself to
be one of those long-gone clan members -- an idea that seemed to put life and
humanity in perspective.
We soon
arrived at a hide overlooking a large still pond and sat quietly watching the
wildlife. Swans, grebes and dragonflies came into view in that peaceful oasis;
and there, in the background, stood Glastonbury Tor, the sacred hill upon which
I scattered Mike's ashes. I blew my sweet son a kiss and felt that familiar
peaceful closeness that comes whenever I'm within view of the tor.
Further
along the trail, while we ate our lunch, I realized that stillness is the key
to contentment, for many birds showed themselves – a kingfisher, two grey
herons, two little egrets, a mother duck with ten ducklings in tow. For only
when we sat quietly and watched did the wildlife become evident. Further along
the trail we surprised a doe and her fawn and watched as they crashed their way
to safety through the undergrowth.
Life on
farm – and sometimes
life in general – can get
complicated, even crazy-making, making these getaways an essential part of life
that I need to tap into to stay on an even keel.
I'm glad
I made the effort to get away from it all today, and I pledge to make these
stillness experiences a regular part of my life. I’m lucky that here in England,
almost on my doorstep, there are so many perfect places to do this.
