The Reward is the Journey

Teaching the second class of a Mindfulness Program this afternoon was just what I needed.  My journey to the venue had not been the most straightforward, and my week feels to have been anything but.  Practising alongside a small group of enthusiastic and engaged beginners was both a pleasure, and a privilege.  Whenever I teach, I am humbled.  Learning this practice not only changed my life; it saved it. Last month I treated myself by attending a day-long workshop about Mindfulness of the Body.  It was led by a double act whom between them know more than I could ever hope to about mindfulness and the philosophy underlying the approach.  Theirs is a very special wisdom - for it arises from a very real, lived, experience, and their teachings are, I know, firmly rooted within their own established practices. Their insight is also drawn from an in depth understanding of the ancient lineage of the practices that have now been secularised and popula...

She seemed to know what she was talking about. One of the things that stood out from our brief conversation as we explored the benefits of the transition into residential care, was her comment about attitude over age.   She seemed to hit the proverbial nail on the head when she said there are those in their thirties who behave as though they are in their fifties, and there are those who radiate and delight in their golden years. Today we have a reality that does not look terribly golden.  But it's certainly precious. Facing a close relative's chronic illness means that, as a family, we overlook the preciousness of the now at our peril.   For, as I was reminded during my yoga class on Sunday, now is all any of us ever truly have.  There may not be a next time.  We're not sure what opportunities we have left.  Each day is important.  Each hour is valuable.  We need to make the most of every moment.

It's been a while.  It's been hectic.  Life, (as John Lennon said) is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans... I'm not sure I've been too busy on the planning front.  I've been doing a grand job of treading water though.  Whilst trying to keep my hands dry.  Or something to that effect. In fact, I've not stepped near a swimming pool in what feels like an eternity.   Nor have I been out on two wheels.  Which just feels odd. This autumn has involved rather more than the predictable seasonal changes.  From where I'm sitting, there is little that hasn't changed. Change is not always easy. Unexpected, unwelcome changes are never easy. So, in order to take things in my stride, I've had to walk taller... And longer. At times, it's felt like the incline was becoming too great.  And then I looked around me, to find myself in excellent company.  Good friends, like stars, are always there - mi...