DISCONNECTION THROUGH CONNECTION

Social media...the new way of communicating?
Sometimes I feel so sad at how our lives have become so dependant on the keyboards of our phones, tablets or computers. We are losing touch with each other...words on a screen are not enough and as I read many of the posts on various social media sites, I am becoming alarmed at how people are communicating with each other and the world at large. Many seem to have lost the art of good conversation and show a lack of respect for language and the feelings of others. Hiding behind the screen seems to give permission to speak negatively without repercussions. Words are communicated that would NEVER be said face to face. I am increasingly shocked at the anger, hate and vile thoughts of many social media users, spoken without knowledge of the inner facts of situations. It is a sadness for the human race. With all this access to communicating with friends and family afar, although this helps us keep in touch, it never replaces the human touch, the caring smile, the look of understanding that a face to face encounter allows. It also divorces us from quality time spent with one another in conversation.
As we start 2020, I for one am going to make more of an effort to find the time to have these face to face conversations whenever possible, to sip that coffee over a chat and to spend time with other human beings, to listen and to care. By slowing down, we are giving the respect our bodies, minds, and spirits deserve. Life is short and chasing excessive financial and career gains pale next to the beauty of meaningful relationships that help to shape and influence the quality of the lives we lead in this whirling lifestyle of the 21st century.
Take the time to breathe and move towards meaning and purpose.

Take a relaxing walk
Giving yourself time to talk

To another human being
That you have not seen 

Face to face 
in their space...for a while

Your spirit will grow
As you get to know

The person you have missed...
Just another on your list

Of that long list of 'friends'
That never seems to end.


© Poem and image: Alison Odendaal

Take, the time.

THE PROVERBIAL SNAKE IN THE GRASS - FINISHING THE DISSERTATION

Walking in long veld grass can be dangerous. You need good boots, a keen set of eyes and your wits about you. I kind of feel like I am on a bushveld walk right now. You know when something is hanging over your head, and you know you need to get on with it, but you keep avoiding it. My eyes are set on the target, I am hyper-aware of what I need to do, but I am waiting for the snake to strike. I know the snake is the opening of my near to final dissertation chapter and to start unrolling the data and presenting it in a coherent discussion. (I have started it...but...)
The funny thing is, I love my study. I am passionate about it, but there is so much to be aware of, so much to look out for that I am almost scared to get on with it. I keep avoiding it, just like my steps on the bushveld walk. I am walking with care. I guess the finality of it is what is keeping me on the path and avoiding the snake. 

Just plug that drive in
and hit begin

Start in one place 
and find the space

To record the study
even if it's muddy

Clarity will flow
as the data...you know

Will sort itself out
as I mix it about

The story will unfold
waiting to be told.


For those struggling with that last to end chapter, and those final changes and edits, I wish you strength in the days to come. Keep plugging on, one step at a time, and you will see the snake and pass by in understanding, as it settles into the space in which it belongs.

Time to get real and stop the nonsense and just open the external hard drive. The journey is nearly at the end, so I guess I might as well open that silly drive and just start writing. I can always edit after all and add and subtract from my thoughts and discussion.

Good luck with your studies! 😊
Aaahh, I feel better now that my creative juices have been released😏

THE STILLNESS OF THE BUSH

Even though my workload is too ambitious at the moment, I have decided to embrace some serenity today and to sit outside and listen to the silence, spend some time with my family and be thankful for what I have. My soul needs it and the world in which I revolve will benefit from it as I find energy and solace in the space of silence. I know that the space I find myself in will uplift my soul and help me to transcend that feeling outwards towards others. The birds are quietly sending their song into the bush through the leaves and over the treetops, and the sounds of life send their waves over the horizon as people go about their business. The sound of the flames on the fire echo the sounds of the bushveld and the silence in between the conversation of the bush enters into my heart. The stillness is beautiful.

Refresh your soul every week, at the end of the struggle for the survival of modern times. Next week, we make our mark for another future episode in the machinations of man. Be clear about your goals and make your mark with knowledge and consciousness. We should not fail each other as human beings, but strive together to make this beautiful earth a happy place for all as we step nearer to our exit. Make the time and take the time to be still in your heart. 

The bush stills my heart 

And sets it apart

To allow time to heal

And for my soul to feel

The vibrations of life

Far removed from the strife

Of everyday hurts

That my mind averts

Allow the stillness to flow

Enabling the knowledge to grow

In the inner space we hold

For our souls to unfold

Time seems to stand still

As our hearts take their fill

Of the energy of earth

That comes from our birth

Be strong in your heart

And make a fresh start

Embrace all that you see

 ..you will find you are free

(Alison)

                                                                                               

Take the time next week to find that inner quiet, that space that needs to heal. Our journeys are hurried, so change the pace and you will find that the richness you find is worth the time it takes to de-tune and listen....to the stillness.

You will find your Soul!

Till next time 

Ali

THE DANGER OF ANGER

I have been watching the world in the last while and I am deeply concerned about the growing anger all around. There are so many angry people in the world and in our country and it really saddens me when I see humanity reduced to this emotion. Why are we so angry - why have we become so intolerant of each other? We are doing so much harm not only to others but also to ourselves - to our health and our sanity, our ability to think clearly. What has happened to loving our neighbour for who they are? Not one of us is perfect so perhaps it is time for some inner reflection with us all to try and dissipate some of this destructive anger. Time to slow down and be alert to the energy of others and ourselves. We can find peace if we look within and in that inner peace will emerge a better tolerance for the inadequacies we see in others and ourselves. We are losing respect for the privilege we have of inhabiting this planet. It is time for change otherwise we are headed to self-destruction.

 To see through life

we don't need a knife

Rather focus the eye

clear through to the sky

through the maze of  each day

find the time to say

how thankful you are

those from near and from far

for the privilege to breathe

until we have to leave 

(Alison)

Take time to reflect daily, spend time listening in awe to our breathing bodies as we continue to live through this breath of life. When tempers rise, step back and look at what you are doing and respect the body you were given by not putting it through the stress of anger. Learn to look at others in a new light in wonder at their creation and see their beauty. Existence is a privilege. We were created for a reason. Try and find out what your special reason is and embrace it, live it and breathe it - for the good of mankind.

IN THE MOMENT

On a daily basis water is necessary, so one of my chores is to fill our tank from our borehole. This is an opportune moment for me to just sit for a while by myself and think about things and reflect on my thoughts. Living is the bush is something special and inspires me in many ways. Being close to nature is close to my heart and is very therapeutic.With that is mind some words came to me that I would like to share.

The stillness of the bush sits in my soul

And sometimes fills a small little hole

That resides deep inside

Trying to hide

From the hurts that one feels

And often never reveals 

To the rest of the world

It seems to remain unfurled

As you go about life

Sometimes on the edge of a knife

So take time to sit down

And let those barriers down

To look deep within 

Right under your skin

(Alison)

Have you a special place where you can just sit and just be? Think about feeding your soul and finding some quiet space. Maybe it's reading a book, or listening to music or just staring into space or just watching others (maybe your family). We all need to take the time to find our inner self and to just be in the moment. Think about it today and find your special place that will refresh your soul and help to keep you whole. 

Until next time

Alison

OBSERVATIONS

This week I was thinking that sometimes we say too much and don't listen enough. We all have our own story to tell and sometimes we cannot wait to get it out. Other times we never seem able to get it out as others seem to be having the same urge - to get it out. The point is, no matter where we stand in this situation we sometimes need to step back and just listen. Take a breath before opening your mouth, reflect and think before you speak. Have you ever found yourself supposedly listening but instead you're actually thinking about what you are going to say in response to what the other person is saying. I find myself doing it often. So, take the moment and give the person you're listening your full attention. Focus on what they are saying and you might not then miss exactly what it is they are trying to say. Use eye contact and give the other person your undivided attention. Try it. You might be surprised at what you might 'hear'!

 'Open eyes wide
Look deep at the soul inside
Of the person you see
And this might be the key
To the insight you need
That plants the seed
Of that special idea
That did not come near
When your 'eyes' were shut tight
and your mind was in flight' 
(Alison)

Try it this week and see what you come up with. If nothing else the exercise will help you practice not only your patience but your attention and recall skills.

Good luck until we next meet on this page.

Alison

MAINTAINING POSITIVITY

The last few months have been trying to say the least. Applications galore as I try to reach my goal for the academic pathway I wish to follow. I trust that my instincts are right and that this is where my destiny lies, but trying to remain positive as I move through these challenges is difficult. I guess that this is a test of my mettle that I have yet to prove. Be with me friends as I await the results. I need encouragement to stay positive.

Sometimes the world.......

does not seem fair

and I try not to despair

As I try to stay in focus

in control of my locus

Waiting for the day

when someone can say

that my goal is in sight

and I am moving toward the light

of the dream I have worked for

which is the essence of my core

Patience is the key 

and the belief in my ability

Time will pass by

and I will continue to reach for the sky

to realize my dream

by staying with the theme 

(Words by Alison)

Be well one and all and strive for your dreams too!