This morning, as my cat kindly woke me up when I usually get up for work, I decided to not waste the extra time I was given. I got dressed and started my day with a walk. As it was still so early, the streets were empty and the cars were minimal. I only met 5 people out walking in the hour or so I was out and most of them had dogs.
Part of my walk takes me up a street which looks down to the Forth river. When I got to the top of the street, the view is spectacular as it also overlooks the 3 bridges. This morning the water was very still and the reflection of the Forth Bridge was clearly visible. It’s lovely to see and it doesn’t happen often as before long, boats will disrupt the calm in the water and/or the weather may change. For a brief moment in time I stood and enjoyed it whilst the tranquil stillness continued.
Further on in my walk I could smell toast – as people begin their mornings with breakfast. The smell is of such comfort and joy. Nothing beats a slice of toast. Something so very simple, but so versatile. The closer I got to the shops, the busier the road got, although still few and far between, there were several cars. Where were all these people were going so early on a Sunday morning, the shops? Work?
This walk lasted about an hour and it was a moment of calm and peace just for me. There was pretty much no one else around and I had it all to myself, breathing in the fresh air, stillness and observing nature and the world around. In that hour, I was alone with my thoughts.
The buzz of day to day life never stops. Stillness is so rare and we catch glimpses of it in the early morning or late at night. It can be a challenge to have these moments during the day. But what is it that we like about it, what is it that makes us want that precious moment every so often?
For some of us, having a moment of calm really does help to reflect on what has been happening. Whether it is at work or at home, it gives us the space and freedom to look at all the information and facts. This will help us come to a conclusion or at the very least work out what the next steps are, without the background noise of life getting in the way.
For others having the stillness to enjoy gives them time away from the hustle and bustle of life, with all the noises it brings, from kids playing, laughing, crying, screaming to the noise of the traffic or people going past your house or work. This time is precious and you know having a break from it is few and far between but you’ll take it when you can.
If you are currently working on a project, this time can be helpful to clearly see the next step or give you the space to adjust or flex if things have moved on from the original plan. Having these moments can help you plan the next stage and ensure you are heading in the right direction.
Perhaps you are a writer or painter or work creatively and you rely on these hushed moments to work through any blockers you are having. Or it is in these moments where your ideas spark and come alive as you have the space to let your imagination go wild and free. Allowing you to get on with your creative activity unhindered and stuck.
Maybe these peaceful times are for you to let go of everything and release yourself from the heaviness of being weighed down with worry or stress.. This might be your opportunity to walk, meditate or practice yoga, feeling free and at ease in the serene moment. Moving with ease and taking it all in your stride or practice as you feel like you are the only one in the world.
For you a moment of stillness may mean stopping to observe nature, watching the birds go about their day, chirping, gathering food or twigs or watching the waves and be soothed by their rhythmic movements and sounds, helping you to breathe slowly and calmly. Stillness doesn’t mean it has to be silent.
This moment may be the only time you have to sit still, breathe slow and deep letting yourself be in the stillness. How rare is it for us to get those moments to do just that?
There are many things we can do with a moment of calm and stillness. It will mean different things to us all. When you find yourself at a point in time when stillness and calm befall you, what are you going to do with it?
Thank you for reading. Have a lovely week ahead.
Take care, Love Emma xx
Wellbeing with Relaxing Lavender 