There’s something to be said for taking a step back from the world and its worries, and returning to the “now” that is present life. It’s so important to bring yourself back to where your feet are planted and halt the fretting of your mind. Just breathe.
With the political upheavals in the USA, the war between Russia and Ukraine, Gaza and Israel, and the infernal bungling of the government here in Potholeville, it’s easy to get caught up in worries beyond our control, where we find ourselves losing hope. Blood pressure rises in sync with international tensions, and some much-needed sleep may be lost.
But then I hear my parrot, Gandalf the Grey, laughing back at Jewel as he reflects her own laughter back at her and dances to a song she’s singing. Then there’s my rabble of misfit dogs gallantly rising to the noisy challenge of the neighbour’s dogs at a hole in the wall. The raucous, animated pontificating, and toothy threats are the most fun they’ve had all day. Then there’s the satisfying and almost silent hiss of my new air fryer, which Jewel named Aerosmith, and the friendly hum of Billy Ocean, the dishwasher, with Freddy Mercury, the pressure cooker sitting idly by, blissfully at rest, and I realise that my life is here and now, and it’s a good life. There is life, colour and humour all around me, so why not take a moment to reflect and step away from the madness and noise?
It’s a relief to leave the busy world to its triumphs and tragedies, and just be here, happy and present, contemplating what really matters. And what really matters, in my humble view, is who we choose to be every day, how we face our internal battles in each moment, how we add value to others each day, and then who we are when all is silent and we are alone with ourselves in Truth.
On this Easter weekend, I hope you’ve had time to reflect, rest, and relieve your busy mind. I hope you’ve had some respite from this crazy world and have taken moments to turn your mind inward and upward. Just be still and breathe. Come back to yourself. Life is extremely short. But because it is so finite, it is all the more delicious as we savour the healthy meal I created in Aerosmith, marinate in good company, and steep ourselves in gratitude for the love and friendships that comprise our here and now.
There’s a refreshing excitement in the dawning of each day if we choose an unjaded mindset and look through the eyes of innocence and wonder.
No responses yet