IMBALANCES

It has been one of those weeks when my brain was not connected to the rest of my functioning. No energy, no clarity of thought and just the need to sleep and sleep some more.  Towards the end of the week the vision started clearing and I started finding purpose again.

It came to me that we all need purpose, goals and a clear pathway to follow in order to be fully functional. 

The ability to break things down into manageable portions goes a long way to achieving goals. Sometimes we cannot see clearly in the maze of activities we take upon ourselves. It reminded me of the importance of breathing, taking a step back, out of the situation, just to refocus and put things in perspective. 

Flexibility is the key to managing times like these and an awareness of self that becomes powerful once exercised.

Have you ever had moments like these. I think the praying mantis has the right idea. Ponder, sway back and forth and you will progress, a little at a time. Observation and awareness of your surroundings.

Perhaps we all take life too seriously and need to step back and forth as we make our way through the maze. It is not critical, and it is more important to make considered decisions in some circumstances. I have learnt a lesson this week about myself and am thankful that I went through what I did. It was a time of rest and pondering and I have emerged from it re-energized and focused.

Knitting

Knitting, I thought. That is what I should do when out in the veld keeping an eye out for the Big 5 as my staff clear fire breaks for the winter season. I cannot sit and do nothing, so I had to find something productive to do. I hate doing paperwork while sitting in a car. I had a good dig in some boxes that have not been touched for over 6 years and lo and behold, I found my unfinished jersey. It was like a treasure hunt searching for the right needles and working out what I had used before.

Now came the challenge to try and work out exactly where I was in the pattern, what all those incomprehensible markings (rather faded now) on small bits of paper were, and to try and make sure that I still understood how to do the pattern.

Success! In a couple of hours I had completed quite a few centimetres while intermittently scanning the veld and getting out of the car to make sure none of these animals were around. Knitting makes this scanning exercise quite easy as you don't have to keep your eyes on your work all the time.

On reflection, however, I realised how tremendously enjoyable knitting was and could not believe that I had hidden it away for so long and had forgotten how something so simple and productive could bring peace to the soul. It must be the clicking of the needles like a Mantra for meditation. It has spurred me on to start another jersey for my dearly beloved, as soon as I have finished this one, which should be soon. Once that is over I think it is time for the blanket squares for the aged and young in the local community.

When did you last pick up a set of knitting needles and create something out of nothing?

I urge you to try, and you will see what I mean. 

Sometimes, in the simplest of tasks one finds quiet and time for reflection.

I suppose the same can be said for watering the garden, baking, painting, drawing or planting seedlings. 

Find what works for you, and get back to that simple task that you used to find so much pleasure in. You will be amazed at how you feel. 

In this fast paced world of ours we often think we do not have the time, but by making the time, your energies will return.

Happy reflections!

HINDSIGHT - A valuable thought

Something happened to me earlier this week which on reflection made me re think my behaviour. I felt ashamed of my reaction in this situation, even though to some extent, I could understand my reaction, and many would have done the same. For me what was powerful about the event, and my reaction was the fact that it signified a learning curve for me as a person. Even though I could validate my reaction, I realised that it was at the same time unacceptable in the scheme of things. 

The power of reflection of one's behaviour is what makes us as human beings grow, and in some ways I was thankful for the event, because it was a lesson learnt, will build my character, and will allow me to react in a different, more appropriate/socially acceptable way in the future. It will in fact contribute to my serenity of soul, and my humility and enable me to understand the reasoning behind others and my own behaviour in certain situations. It has opened my heart and increased my tolerance.

Sometimes we need to look beyond a situation before judging and be fully acceptable of others behaviour before we mirror their behaviour. I have closure and peace of mind about the situation and know that it will probably not happen again.

Acceptance of the self and others, flaws and all, in conjunction with humility is the first step towards emotional intelligence.

You caught me

When I was down on my knee

I give thanks for my soul

It made me feel whole...

Again (Alison)

OLDER...WISER...STILL YOUNG?

I sometimes wonder if as you get older you get wiser or if things are just rather more familiar. This morning I was thinking that I don't feel older, as my spirit still feels so young (In fact it feels a whole lot better than it did years ago). I almost feel as if I have more energy than I did when I was younger. What I do feel is an inner confidence (most days), a surety almost of the validation of my existence. The lesson I have learned over the years that is most important and has made the most impact for me has been my maturation with regard to the art of listening (although my children would probably not agree - they love to joke you know). I feel as if I have finally learnt the art of stepping back, looking in on the picture and really taking in what is happening. I hope this is the beginning of a step towards enlightenment of the presence and role of others in my life.
As I step into another year of my existence I would like to share with you some words that come from my heart to all of yours.

LISTEN..........................

To the sounds of the day
As they float away
on the breath of the wind

Be present in your space
with a glow on your face
that radiates out to all

Look and see, really see
and you will be free
without blinkers.......
to be in awe of it all. (Alison)

Happy listening. Take time in your day to just be and to allow life to penetrate your soul. Increase your awareness of what is happening around you by quieting your spirit and soaking it all in. The rewards are rich and will feed your spirit.