February 2024: Sunny Spaces
We thrive on light and warmth, how can we find them even when life seems grey and nebulous?
Trust that light
Is always beyond the grey.
Cut holes in the clouds,
Make space, clear a way
Find shafts and beams.
Above All
Early February in Britain: pitched at short horizons, low opaque stratus filters the winter sun. Dullness is close and ubiquitous, even at midday.
Most birds have flown. Most trees do not even bother with leaves, and stand there naked, enduring storms. Passively hoping for the return of light and warmth in which to grow again.
Winter may be cheerless, but we can create other light and warmth - cosy spaces savouring story or music, companionship, making, or with notebook finding a flow of words that articulate things inside.
In truth, the darkness of winter can last all year, if the density of life lies heavy upon us.
But we can make holes in the cloud. Summer is only hidden; the sky beyond is always blue.
take 5 …
With pen and paper to hand, come into meditation. Connect with the body and the breath.
Contemplate: on every other in-breath ask ‘what gives me light and warmth?’ Don’t look for answers – just ask. If thoughts arise notice them and return to the breath.
When ready, write a list: ‘what gives me light and warmth’.
… and an experiment!
Look at life and ask ‘what are my sunshine habits?’ What do you do regularly that is only about sunshine and warmth – a time with no other purpose, which carries no responsibility or productive purpose.
What habits would create such times? If you resist giving yourself sunshine time ask ‘why not?’
quotes …
Beware the barrenness of a busy life ~ Socrates
When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life ~ Jean Shinoda Bolen
Happiness depends upon ourselves ~ Aristotle
ps
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In my news: I am enjoying a busy time leading in-person and zoom B4B series around Oxford, and also giving a talk entitled ‘Re-connecting with Nature’. I am about to go overseas to lead B4B at the British University of Georgia.
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Roddy