I have finally had to admit that summer has very much gone for another year. Despite my reluctance I must embrace autumn with its coat of many colours and settle down to a few months of shorter, darker days.
Life has been a little busy just lately, so finding a moment to sit down and write has been more of a challenge than usual. September and half of October seem to have disappeared in a flurry of activity, travel and falllen leaves!
When life is busy finding those moments of calm seems even more important doesn’t it.
Long Plane Journeys
Part of the reason for being so busy was a work trip to Trinidad and Tobago. I know, hardly a hardship. It was a busy time though, both in the lead up and preparation and during the time I was there. So when it was finally time to board the plane for the 8ish hour flight I was very ready to stop for a while.
I know that many people don’t enjoy air travel. But I do. I like the opportunity it brings to be still, disconnected from the phone and to relax. It is a great time for reading, writing and watching films, and even snooze, although I am less good at that. So the journey, particularly the outward one was a lovely time of being still and quiet, and reading. I started The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, (which I’m still reading – its over 800 pages) and watched a gorgeous film, ‘Yesterday’. If you haven’t seen it I highly recommend it. All of this was good preparation for the busy few days which followed
Being by the Sea
My reason for visiting this beautiful part of the world was to speak at a conference, and with a colleague deliver some palliative care training to other healthcare and non healthcare professionals. (palliative care is my 9-5 job). This was such a privilege to do, but the days were long and full of. So it came as a great relief at the end of this time to have a day off, and be by the sea. I always find the sea instantly calming. Watching the regularity of the waves and hearing the persistent sound of the ocean is mediative and it was an absolute joy to have time alone on a beautiful beach, where the air was warm and the breeze gentle, watching the sun go down, with nothing but a few sea birds for company Bliss!
Poetry by Helen Dunmore
The other thing I have been reading this week is one of my favourite collections of Poetry. ‘Inside the Wave’ by Helen Dunmore. This is a beautiful collection of poems written by Helen whilst she was dying. Many of them are reflections on mortality and the fine line between life and death. They are such a joy to read and are a gorgeous antidote to the busyness of daily life. I have recommended them on Changing Pages before and you can read more of my thoughts here.
I know my moments of calm this week will be very different to those Caribbean moments, however I shall seek them out and savour them none the less. I hope you are able to do the same.
Many more Moments of Calm right here.
